'They're our adversary': Kevin O'Leary pushes for more US data centers to rival China in AI

Investor and "Shark Tank" personality Kevin O'Leary joined Scripps News to discuss the critical need for more data centers in the United States. O'Leary, who was in Washington, D.C., advocating for loosening restrictions on data center development, emphasized that increasing the U.S.'s data center capacity is vital for global competitiveness against adversaries like China in the realm of artificial intelligence and economic growth. He pointed out that China is accelerating its power development much faster due to fewer permitting concerns. O'Leary also addressed prevalent concerns surrounding data centers, which often include property values, water consumption, and electricity strain on local communities. He countered these objections by stating that modern data center technology has advanced significantly, particularly in reducing water usage compared to a decade ago. He believes there's a misunderstanding about their current environmental impact, asserting that the overarching goal is to enable the U.S. to maintain its competitive edge against foreign powers.