A new report by Gallup and the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) shows that Americans across the political spectrum largely agree on how the country should approach artificial intelligence. The report, titled Looking to the Future: American Priorities for AI in 2026, is based on a nationally representative survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults conducted online in June 2026 using Gallup’s U.S. panel. The findings, released by (NewsUSA), highlight a striking bipartisan consensus on key AI policies.
According to the survey, 72% of respondents support promoting STEM education to train workers to use AI in future jobs, and 66% support creating on-the-job training programs that teach AI skills. These levels of support are similar among Republicans, Democrats, and independents. However, opinions are split on adding AI skills to core K-12 classes like math or reading, with 45% in support and 44% opposed.
On safety and security, 79% of respondents say the government should maintain safety and data-security rules even if such rules slow AI development, compared to just 7% who would prioritize speed. Additionally, 60% agreed that the U.S. government should create AI regulations, and 75% favored testing and evaluation of new AI systems by independent experts before widespread dissemination.
“The key finding in this year's data is that Republicans, Democrats, and independents want the same things: teach STEM, train workers on the job, put safety and security ahead of speed, and let independent experts test these systems before the public depends on them,” said Ylli Bajraktari, president of SCSP. “America's edge in this competition will not come from adoption alone; it will come from a public that has reason to trust what it is adopting.”
Concerns about AI’s impact on jobs persist, with 70% stating that AI will destroy more jobs than it creates over the next decade. Yet, half of respondents (51%) say they use AI at least sometimes at work, school, or in their personal lives, up from 39% in 2025. Two in three (68%) describe themselves as knowledgeable about AI, up from 60% last year. The report also shows increased trust among regular AI users since last year, but increased skepticism among non-users.
“The public is becoming more experienced with AI while simultaneously becoming more cautious about its economic implications,” said Gallup Principal Justin Lall. “That combination of firsthand use and lingering concern makes workforce preparation more important than ever.”
The data suggest room for compromise where attitudes diverge among parties. Republican respondents were more likely to favor mandatory age requirements, increasing AI in manufacturing, increasing energy production for AI systems, and reducing AI regulation. Democrat respondents were more likely to favor increasing government funding for AI research at colleges and universities. However, a majority across parties showed similar support for allowing companies and universities to use government resources for AI research.
For businesses and workers, the findings signal that AI education and safety measures are likely to gain traction regardless of political outcomes. Companies may need to invest in upskilling programs, while policymakers could face pressure to enact regulations that balance innovation with public trust. The full report is available at scsp.ai.
