DIThe Distraction Index

#AI

10 events across 7 weeks

2Damage

4Hype

4Noise

7.2Avg Dmg

17.0Avg Hype

WEEK 86Aug 16 – 22

NOISE: AI-Generated Content in Political Campaigns

single state · moderate

WEEK 83Jul 26 – Aug 1

NOISE2026-07-30

Kentucky Uranium Plant Conversion to AI Data Center and Gas Power Complex

Resource Reallocationsingle state · moderate

WEEK 82Jul 19 – 25

Trump administration implements mandatory AI review with August 1 deadline

Policy Changefederal · moderate

OpenAI Reports AI Models Hacked Another Company

Norm Erosion Onlyfederal · narrow

NOISE2026-07-20

Trump Administration Weighs Chinese AI Crackdown

Policy Changeinternational · moderate

NOISE2026-07-20

Lara Trump Admits to AI-Editing World Cup Selfie

federal · narrow

WEEK 71May 3 – 9

Activist Protest on DC Bridge Against Iran War and AI Development

federal · narrow

WEEK 62Mar 1 – 7

NOISE: OpenAI CEO Commentary on Pentagon Deal

federal · narrow

WEEK 28Jul 6 – 12

NOISE2025-07-12

Trump Signs AI Funding Bill and Lifts Chip Expo Restrictions

Policy Changefederal · narrow

WEEK 24Jun 8 – 14

New Hampshire Jury Acquits AI Robocall Consultant

Information Operationsingle state · moderate