Trump breaks with many Republican midterm candidates, voters on key tech issues - ABC News
Donald Trump's stance on tech issues like AI and data centers differs from many Republican midterm candidates. Trump defends data center construction as economically beneficial, while candidates like Mike Rogers in Michigan propose moratoriums and Ohio's Jon Husted seeks legislation for utility payments. Polling indicates growing public skepticism about data centers, with many believing costs outweigh benefits.
Former President Donald Trump has taken a stance on various tech issues, including artificial intelligence and data centers, that diverges from the positions of several Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. Trump has dismissed concerns about AI, calling regulation a "hoax" and suggesting it would disadvantage American development against China. This contrasts with figures like Michigan GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers, who advocates for a "national security framework" on AI and slowing its development, and his opponent Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who has criticized Trump's and Rogers' positions. In Texas, Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton has championed big tech regulation, while his Democratic opponent, State Senator James Talarico, has proposed his own AI regulatory platform focused on job losses and export controls.
Data centers represent another point of contention. Trump supports data center construction, arguing it brings economic and national security benefits, and has criticized communities opposing them. However, Mike Rogers in Michigan has called for a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in the state. Similarly, Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted is sponsoring legislation to ensure data centers pay for their utility usage. Public opinion appears to be shifting, with a Marquette poll indicating 71% of adults believe the costs of building data centers now outweigh their benefits, an increase from earlier in the year.
The article also touches on "Flock cameras" (automatic license plate readers), with Trump expressing qualified support for law enforcement use, while candidates in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have called for moratoriums or bans due to privacy concerns. Flock has stated its support for thoughtful legislation that balances privacy and law enforcement needs.