Americans Doubt US AI Leadership, Fear AI Will Widen Global Inequality

Summary

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals significant pessimism among Americans about the US's position in the global AI race. Only 12% of Americans believe the United States is more advanced in AI development than China, compared to 36% who say China is ahead, while 33% remain unsure. The survey of 3,488 adults conducted in June 2026 also found that 43% of Americans consider it extremely or very important that the US leads globally in AI development, with striking partisan differences: 54% of Republicans prioritize US AI leadership compared to just 34% of Democrats.

Beyond competitiveness concerns, the survey highlights deep anxiety about AI's societal impact. More than half of Americans (51%) believe AI will increase the gap between rich and poor countries, reflecting broader concerns about unequal access to AI's benefits. Demographic analysis reveals significant disparities: men are 2.6x more likely than women to say the US leads (18% vs 7%), and Americans 65 and older are more than twice as likely as 18-29 year-olds to prioritize US AI leadership.

• Gender gap: men 2.6x more likely than women to say US leads in AI (18% vs 7%)
• Age matters: Americans 65+ more than 2x as likely as 18-29 year-olds to view US AI leadership as critical

Editorial Opinion

The survey exposes a significant perception gap between American voters and political messaging on AI dominance. With nearly three-quarters of Americans either unsure or convinced China leads, policymakers face an uphill battle selling US technological superiority. More importantly, the widespread anxiety about AI exacerbating global inequality suggests voters recognize that winning the AI race alone won't address their deeper concerns about equitable access and benefit-sharing.