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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsNational security2yrs ago

Should the government invest in artificial intelligence (AI) for defense applications?

AI in defense refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance military capabilities, such as autonomous drones, cyber defense, and strategic decision-making. Proponents argue that AI can significantly enhance military effectiveness, provide strategic advantages, and improve national security. Opponents argue that AI poses ethical risks, potential loss of human control, and can lead to unintended consequences in critical situations.

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Answer Overview

Response rates from 29.3k America voters.

55%
Yes
45%
No
50%
Yes
42%
No
3%
Yes, but only to assist and not replace human decision making
2%
No, we need more testing in controlled environments first
2%
Yes, but with very strict oversight and regulations

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 29.3k America voters.

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Trend of how important this issue is for 29.3k America voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from America voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @9MM5PH4 from New Jersey  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, but increase oversight with strict regulations.

 @8XLR4JX  from North Carolina  answered…2yrs2Y

Experimentation with AI in controlled environments is fine, but it shouldn’t be applied until more regulation is put in place to ensure ethical usage and accountability for collateral damage

 @9PT6LY3 from North Carolina  answered…2yrs2Y

Experimenting with AI in controlled environments is fine, but it shouldn’t be widely applied until there are regulations put in place that ensure accountability and prevent potential unintended consequences

 @9N589VHanswered…2yrs2Y

Yes, if humans are making final decisions for strategic decision-making. AI is likely already used in some capacity.

 @9S2PDWW from Virginia  answered…2yrs2Y

I am very skeptical of artificial intelligence, but I see it’s practicality in military uses. I support it, but in a limited capacity with the utmost caution.

 @B8KGRZD from Georgia  answered…7mos7MO

Yes, but only to assist and with very strict oversight and regulations. It shouldn't replace human decisions.

 @B57P8KD from Virginia  answered…1yr1Y

Yes, but only to assist and not replace human decision making and with very strict oversight and regulations

 @9TZTZSF from Kansas  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, but only if it's more of a reliable one instead of the one that Google and other tech companies made.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…2yrs2Y

Elizabeth Warren Walks Back Murder Comments

Congressional Democrats broadly denounced the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Friday morning, after Republicans started accusing Sen. Elizabeth Warren of excusing violence.“No one's condoning this,” said Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.). “Violence never is the right answer for anything. And it was a horrible murder, a tragic loss for his family.” Warren this week condemned the shooting, but added that people “can be pushed only so far.”"We'll say it over and over," Warren said on MSNBC’S “The ReidOut.” " Violence is never the answer. This guy [Luigi Mangione] gets a trial who's allegedly killed the CEO of UnitedHealth, but you can only push people so far, and then they start to take matters into their own hands."In a statement to POLITICO, Warren said, “Violence is never the answer. Period. I should have been much clearer that there is never a justification for murder.” Top Republicans denounced Warren's comments and the walked-back rhetoric, with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) calling it “inappropriate and dangerous.”Some House Democrats asked about the incident on Thursday pivoted the conversation to discuss policy options on health care or gun safety.“I don't really know that this is really a space that Congress normally weighs in on,” said Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). “But at the end of the day, I think it’s an opportunity, because now people are talking about health care and to talk about the fact that this industry has honestly not been as helpful as it could be.”“Violence is never the answer,” said Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.). “We know that there are people suffering, there’s great challenges in healthcare. There's great challenges, and people have, in fact, been wronged, but a process of governance is the way to address that, not violence.”And Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) who denounced the murder, said the killer should be prosecuted and that “I do know that allegedly a ghost gun was used, and we should also ban ghost guns. There's no reason for them beyond the streets.”

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About This Data

Based on 29.3k responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

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iSideWith. (2026). “Should the government invest in artificial intelligence (AI) for defense applications?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 26, 2026, from https://www.isidewith.com/polls/5139230822

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