As midterms approach, the AI race between the United States and China has become a significant topic of discussion. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas has raised concerns about the involvement of “coordinated” propaganda in this debate. Data centers and AI policies are hot topics in Congress and within American households. Cruz, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, points to a well-funded, organized campaign influencing these discussions.

Cruz draws parallels to past instances where Middle Eastern countries funded anti-fracking campaigns. The aim, according to Cruz, was to make America dependent on their oil and gas exports. The tactic appears similar with data centers. The goal, he argues, is to sway public opinion against domestic AI development, favoring reliance on Chinese technology instead.

During a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, witnesses included notable figures such as Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Cruz emphasized the economic significance of ensuring U.S. dominance in AI.

“If America wins, I want American values… not control and power,” Cruz stated.

There are claims suggesting Chinese government influence in U.S. data center policies. OpenAI has banned certain ChatGPT accounts believed to be from China due to their influence operations. These accounts allegedly spread narratives about rising electricity costs linked to data centers.

Cruz warns that if China wins the AI race, the technology could become a tool for espionage and surveillance aligned with Chinese Communist Party values. In contrast, American success in AI could emphasize free speech, individualism, and privacy.

Cruz criticizes the opposition to AI development and data centers as a dominant Democratic stance. He accuses Democrats of aligning with big industry players seeking antitrust exemptions. Cruz also associates this position with leftist ideology and the tech philosophy known as “effective altruism.”

Effective altruism, Cruz claims, involves utilizing AI to advance a leftist agenda. He highlights the concept of rent seeking, where large companies lobby the government for benefits to maintain a competitive edge.

Investigative researcher Parker Thayer from Capital Research Center points out the link between effective altruism and the “AI doomerism movement.” Facebook co-founder and Democratic donor Dustin Moskovitz and his wife Cari Tuna are major financial supporters of organizations aligned with this movement.

The couple established Coefficient Giving, previously known as Open Philanthropy. This organization focuses heavily on AI safety and advocacy, aiming to commit significant funds by 2026.

Coefficient Giving supports initiatives that align with effective altruism, global risks, biosecurity, and AI epistemics.