A conservative social movement called Humans First is organizing a national day of protest on July 18, targeting the rapid expansion of AI data centers across the United States. The group has launched a website complete with a countdown clock and protest locator, framing the event as a stand against what it calls “Big AI globalists.”
The numbers behind the backlash
A Gallup poll conducted on May 13 found that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their communities. Nearly half, 48%, said they strongly oppose it.
According to Data Center Watch, at least 75 data center projects worth approximately $130B were blocked or delayed during the first quarter of 2026 alone.
Over 140 groups have emerged across more than 24 states, from Utah and Arizona to Virginia and New Jersey. Each started with local grievances. Humans First is attempting to stitch them into a single national movement.
