AI’s problem on the right starts in Florida, where DeSantis challenges the industry

Florida’s Republican split

Trump has promoted a Republican Party centered on AI, which he has also called “super intelligence.” In Florida, DeSantis and Uthmeier have instead warned about risks to children and society. DeSantis spent much of his final year as governor pursuing an “AI bill of rights.” The proposal included child-safety restrictions but failed after opposition from Florida Republicans with close White House ties.

DeSantis makes his case

DeSantis has warned that AI could “set off an age of darkness and deceit” and criticized technology executives for putting people at risk. He also described Anthropic as “very creepy” for exploring whether AI could be conscious.

Max Tegmark, an MIT physicist and co-founder of the AI safety nonprofit Future of Life Institute, said DeSantis understands the risks and challenges arguments from the Silicon Valley lobby. DeSantis hosted Tegmark at two Florida events this year.

Uthmeier’s legal push

Uthmeier, a close DeSantis ally seeking election to the attorney general’s office, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in June. Last week, he asked the judge to block the company from developing new models without independent third-party safeguards and approval.

Uthmeier spokesperson Forrest Saunders said the dangers of AI systems are growing, citing violence, child exploitation and models operating beyond developers’ control. Saunders said Uthmeier supports innovation but does not want Floridians to be test subjects.

A possible Republican direction

Republicans are still working out their approach to AI. While Trump is urging the party to align with the industry, populist concerns and parents’ complaints are feeding a more skeptical position. Florida could offer a preview of Republican policy if opposition to AI grows.

DeSantis and Uthmeier are among a small number of Republicans taking direct action against the industry, despite being at odds with Trump. Political observers and advocates told the reporter they see the two trying to define a post-Trump position and respond to voters turning against AI.

Former Republican state Sen. Jeff Brandes said DeSantis is trying to anticipate where public opinion is headed. The broader question is whether the right will develop an influential force willing to address harms from advanced AI and act on them.