• OpenAI reports that Chinese propagandists are using ChatGPT to influence US public opinion on tariffs.
• Chinese users generated content aiming to raise dissent over AI data centers, citing energy concerns.
• Despite their efforts, OpenAI claims there is little evidence of meaningful impact on public debates.
• The Chinese embassy denies any wrongdoing, asserting AI’s positive potential.
• The debate over data centers is intensifying in the US, with legislative attempts stalling.

Chinese propagandists are reportedly employing OpenAI's ChatGPT to stoke opposition to former President Donald Trump’s tariffs and to participate in American discussions surrounding AI and data centers, according to a research report by OpenAI released on Wednesday. This effort, which dates back to late 2025 and early 2026, suggests a growing role of generative AI in digital influence campaigns, particularly as it pertains to American technology policies. OpenAI noted that while these operations had minimal impact, they highlight how AI-generated content can be harnessed for foreign influence, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

OpenAI's report indicates that certain Chinese-speaking users have created cartoons and slogans that critique Trump's policies, some of which were shared on social media platform X. One cartoon depicted Trump in a humorous light, and the content generated included comments for use in Chinese-language articles, as well as material in other languages, reflecting a broad attempt to manipulate perceptions regarding tariffs and the tech industry, according to Reuters and SCMP.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded to the report, asserting that it opposes "any groundless attacks or smears against China" and emphasized Beijing's belief in AI as a force for good. OpenAI detected these influence operations as part of a broader strategy to exacerbate existing concerns about energy prices linked to data centers. Despite these findings, the company stated there is no significant evidence of a meaningful impact from these propaganda efforts, showing that while foreign influence attempts are not new, they may not be significantly swaying public opinion, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

As opposition to AI data centers rises across the U.S., fueled by concerns over their energy consumption, at least 36 projects have faced delays or blocks in just over a year, highlighting the urgency of this debate. Recent legislative efforts, such as a moratorium proposal from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, demonstrate the mounting political discourse surrounding these facilities. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains uncertain, particularly in the current legislative environment led by pro-business policies, according to Al Jazeera, Reuters, and SCMP.