Republicans across the US are severing ties with Flock Safety, an $8bn AI surveillance firm backed by Silicon Valley mega-donors, signaling a growing tech backlash ahead of the midterms. Florida Governor Ron De Santis ordered the removal of Flock cameras from state highways, calling it "criminal surveillance" and rejecting a "digital AI surveillance state." Texas Governor Greg Abbott cut state funding for the company, while Republican lawmakers in Washington introduced legislation to block federal funds for similar systems.

The revolt pits GOP officials against major party donors like Andreessen Horowitz, Flock's lead investor, whose founders are among Donald Trump's largest backers. The venture capital firm called De Santis' move a "knee-jerk move" driven by "hysteria." Joe Lonsdale, Palantir co-founder and MAGA donor, claimed disabling Flock was "anti-civilisation." Even Lara Trump defended the technology on Fox News.

Governors cited officer abuse of the network to track innocent people, including ex-partners. Dozens of cities previously rejected Flock over its role in immigration enforcement. The company insists its technology is a vital public safety tool for solving crimes and finding missing persons.