Trump mocks data center opponents as wanting to stay ‘backwards and poor’
President Trump criticized communities opposing data center development, suggesting they risk economic decline. This comes amid a growing national backlash against data centers, impacting local politics and leading to recall elections for officials who support such projects. Both Democrats and Republicans are using the issue politically, as seen in Ohio and Wisconsin campaigns.
President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval for communities opposing data center construction, arguing that such opposition would lead to economic stagnation and poverty. Speaking on Truth Social, Trump advocated for the proliferation of data centers, linking them to wealth creation, lower taxes, and job growth, while warning that a halt in U.S. data center development would benefit China.
This presidential stance contrasts with a growing national backlash against data centers. Polling indicates widespread public concern over data center proliferation, citing fears about a rapidly changing economy, job displacement by automation, and negative environmental impacts, including increased utility costs. Communities in over a dozen cities and towns are actively protesting, with some residents initiating recall elections against local officials who have approved these energy-intensive facilities.
The political potency of data centers is evident in recent campaigns. A memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee warned that the issue could jeopardize Senator Jon Husted's electoral prospects in Ohio, with his Democratic challenger, Sherrod Brown, running ads tying Husted to data center support. Similarly, in Wisconsin, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany is attempting to brand his rival, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, as "Data Center David Crowley" based on past remarks supporting AI and data centers. Crowley has since tried to distance himself, stating that communities should not be forced to host data centers against their will.
Despite the bipartisan leveraging of data center opposition, Trump remains resolute, emphasizing that a slowdown in U.S. data center growth would undermine the nation's technological competitiveness and empower China.