Todd Blanche accused Democrats of weaponizing AI concerns ahead of the midterms. "This AI issue suddenly came up TWO MONTHS before an election," he said, noting that Democratic senators who stayed silent for months are now "racing to microphones" to discuss AI regulation.

Blanche framed the timing as transparently political: "Of COURSE that's what it is." He warned that election-year posturing shouldn't dictate AI policy, arguing the U.S. can't afford to lose the AI race to China.

The comments highlight growing partisan friction over tech regulation as both parties jockey for position on AI governance heading into November.