Citing AI for layoffs is great cover for "we over hired during Covid".

There probably are a few nuts out there that actually fired people to be replaced with AI, I feel like that won't go well for them

There really is no evidence.

There's strong sentiment bubbling that supports AI driven layoffs are going to happen or are happening[0].

I'll say its okay to be reserved on this, since we won't know until after the fact, but give it 6-12 months, then we'll know for sure. Until then, I see no reason not to believe there is a culture in the boardrooms forming around AI that is driving closed door conversations about reducing headcount specifically to be replaced by AI.

[0]: https://gizmodo.com/the-end-of-work-as-we-know-it-2000635294