Anti-AI sentiment is growing, and it could derail OpenAI’s IPO plans

The AI industry has a popularity problem, and it’s getting harder to ignore.

Public opinion on artificial intelligence has shifted dramatically in the United States, with polls now showing a majority of Americans believe the risks of Artificial Intelligence outweigh its benefits. That’s a tough backdrop for OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which are reportedly eyeing IPOs later this year.

OpenAI is targeting a public listing as early as Q4 2026, with some reports pointing to a potential valuation of up to $1 trillion. Anthropic isn’t far behind. But the mood on the street is far from welcoming.

Gen Z is leading the pushback

The backlash is sharpest among younger generations. A recent Gallup poll found Gen Z excitement about Artificial Intelligence collapsed from 36% to just 22% in a single year, while negative sentiment jumped from 22% to 31%. Job fears are driving much of that; years of executives citing Artificial Intelligence during layoffs have left a mark.

Anthropic’s Claude Mythos is here, but you can’t use it yet

The unease has taken a darker turn, too. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s San Francisco home was recently targeted in an arson attack, with prosecutors linking the incident directly to anti-AI sentiment.

Infrastructure is facing real resistance

It’s not just public mood. Over $156 billion in data centre projects were cancelled or delayed in 2025 alone due to local opposition to projects that are critical to the infrastructure underpinning these companies’ growth.

With midterm elections approaching and Artificial Intelligence expected to be a central issue, the pressure on OpenAI and Anthropic is mounting at exactly the wrong moment. Going public in this climate won’t be straightforward.

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