This anti-AI evangelist is growing more popular. That could be a problem for Trump

Dallas, Texas —

When the pandemic decimated the live events scene, Joe Allen “packed up a survival bunker on wheels” and headed out on a new career path.

Jobs were few and far between for “concert riggers” like Allen, who set up concert lighting and sound systems. So he pursued a different kind of roadie life: traveling around the country and writing about the dangers of new technology and artificial intelligence for outlets like The Federalist — eventually landing a gig on former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast.

Allen’s skepticism would have been niche just a few years ago. But now he also travels the country giving sermons warning about the dangers of AI, striking a nerve with Americans who are increasingly worried about AI’s impact on their jobs, electricity bills and mental health, as well as the environment. A June survey from the Pew Research Center found more Americans feel AI will be bad than good for society.

A graduate of Boston University’s religion and science program and a self-proclaimed tech-Luddite, Allen’s anti-AI stance is now firmly in the mainstream. In February, Time magazine featured him in a cover story about the backlash against AI.

“I sound less crazy now,” Allen said before a speech in March at Dallas’ First Baptist Church, one of the country’s largest mega churches.

Allen’s speeches, writings, and media appearances are helping fuel a widening rift on AI within the American right that could pose a problem for President Donald Trump and Republicans in the coming midterm elections. Many in Allen’s audiences are MAGA supporters — but they don’t necessarily agree with the Trump administration’s largely hands-off approach to regulating AI.

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