GOP navigating 'minefield' issue that could split party ahead of midterms

Republican Party insiders say the split between representatives on whether to pursue further reliance on artificial intelligence is a challenge.

An unnamed insider working with groups advocating for state regulation of AI tools has said the GOP landscape is a "minefield" so close to the midterms. Donald Trump's administration has made it clear they want "global dominance" and released an action plan in July 2025 titled "Winning the Race".

A description for the Trump administration's plan for AI reads, "The United States is in a race to achieve global dominance in artificial intelligence. Whoever has the largest AI ecosystem will set the global standards and reap broad economic and security benefits.

"Under President Trump, our Nation will win, ushering in a new Golden Age of innovation, human flourishing, and technological achievement for the American people. America’s AI Action Plan has three policy pillars – Accelerating Innovation, Building AI Infrastructure, and Leading International Diplomacy and Security."

Despite the plan, some GOP members believe the reliance on AI is causing more problems than it is worth. The Republican rep who called the plans a "minefield" when speaking to CNN went on to suggest the president is "aware" of how splintered the party is.

He said, "We represent working people, and if we’re not sensitive towards the impact on jobs, no question, there’s going to be political cost to that. If we’re not sensitive to protecting children, no question."

Former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema believes the public are fearful of technological advances because they do not understand what it means for their lives.

Sinema, who founded the AI Infrastructure Coalition this year to advocate in favor of AI, said, "Lots and lots of Americans are scared of AI and don’t understand it.

"AI companies haven’t done the most excellent job of helping people see AI in their daily lives. That story needs to be told.”

Not all Republican party members are as keen on AI as the Trump administration. One unnamed insider who advises tech clients on political strategy says the growing backlash could worsen the industry.

They said there is "potential in the long run for Trump to see political headwinds and walk away from AI.

"It should be a genuine concern of the industry. I think that’s why there’s so much discussion from proponents about the national security risks of losing the AI race to China. They’re trying to box Trump into a corner."