Trump's Louisiana data center payments fact checked
A WWL-TV fact check found no evidence that Louisiana residents near Meta's data center in Richland Parish received $10,000 checks, contrary to a claim made by President Donald Trump. Officials and residents said the project has generated economic activity and increased tax revenue, but the development was announced without advance public disclosure and community views remain mixed.
WWL-TV investigative reporter David Hammer examined President Donald Trump's claim that residents near a Louisiana data center were initially opposed but changed their minds after receiving $10,000 checks. Louisiana Economic Development said no such payments were made, and residents near Meta's data center in Richland Parish told the station they had not received direct payments from the company.
Hammer said Trump may have been referring to bonuses of up to $50,000 received by Richland Parish teachers after data center-related development increased local tax revenue. The project has brought thousands of construction and related workers and boosted area businesses, but residents said they were surprised by the development because it was announced without advance disclosure. Some support the economic benefits, while others remain concerned about the secrecy surrounding the project.