Trump proposes AI Force and 'czar,' dismisses data center concerns
President Donald Trump announced plans for an "AI Force" and dismissed data center opposition, despite his pollster advising Republican candidates to address local concerns like electricity, water, and grid pressure. In contrast to Trump's pro-AI stance, Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers has proposed a one-year moratorium on new data centers in his state. Trump views rapid AI development as crucial for economic growth and competitiveness with China.
President Donald Trump announced plans for an "AI Force" and an AI "czar," dismissing growing concerns over AI and data centers as politically motivated "hoaxes." He stated his administration would not "hinder or stifle" the industry, claiming opposition had "largely failed" because communities recognize the benefits of higher salaries and lower taxes.
This stance comes as some Republican candidates face increasing opposition to data centers. Trump's longtime pollster, Tony Fabrizio, advised candidates in a memo that "unqualified support for building more AI data centers is a losing position," urging them to address public concerns about electricity prices, power grid strain, and water consumption.
Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers has gone further, advocating for a one-year moratorium on new data centers in his state and calling for a slowdown in AI development until safeguards are established. Trump, however, frames rapid AI development as an economic necessity and a competition with China, projecting it could contribute up to 25% of U.S. GDP.