Full Breakdown
Conservatives’ “Humans First” Tour Targets AI Data Centers Across the United States
By Drooid · · How we work
Tour Overview
A painted tour bus emblazoned with “AI Data Center Revolt” traveled more than 8,000 miles over five weeks, stopping at over 35 locations—including the headquarters of Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Meta and Nvidia—in an effort to rally communities against the rapid construction of AI data centers. The bus parked in front of Anthropic’s San Francisco campus on a Monday, where activists fielded questions from reporters and concluded the journey with a final stop in Berkeley, California.
Group Origins & Goals
Humans First was founded earlier this year as a coalition of left- and right-wing activists concerned that tech oligarchs were advancing AI without public input. The group has since become a conservative-only effort led by Amy Kremer, a veteran organizer linked to the Tea Party and the rally preceding the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Kremer and her daughter, Kylie Jane Kremer—senior adviser—promote a 13-point Data Center Policy that calls for community control over site planning, rejects price-inflating electricity use, and opposes any use of U.S. data centers for unconstitutional surveillance.
Scale & Financial Stakes
Kylie Jane highlighted that Google and Amazon have announced a combined $25 billion investment in data centers for Jonesburg County, Missouri, a region of roughly 12,000 residents. The activists argue that such “David-versus-Goliath” projects marginalize local voices. During the tour, Kremer reported receiving death threats, according to her husband, and noted logistical challenges such as an impassable gravel road in Wakarusa, Kansas, that forced a rally to be relocated.
Official Statements & Responses
Amy Kremer has repeatedly emphasized that the group is not opposed to AI or technology but seeks greater public participation in decisions about data-center siting. Kremer also said the public is increasingly attentive to “existential risk” warnings from former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon. Anthropic did not respond to a request for comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This technology is being shoved down people’s throats,” — Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First
- “I want Big Tech to actually include the American people and allow them to have a seat at the table,” — Kylie Jane, senior adviser at Humans First
- “We’re not anti-AI, we’re not anti-tech, we’re not even anti-data center,” — Kylie Jane, senior adviser at Humans First
- “People across the country are definitely paying attention to the existential risk and what is coming out about that,” — Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First
- “Word got to the people down the dirt road, and then all of a sudden, before you know it, here they come,” — Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First