Trump defends AI data centers, warns blocking them helps China
Data center development has become a major issue in Ohio and Pennsylvania elections, with voters raising concerns about electricity costs, water use and local control. President Trump argues that blocking AI data centers could send investment to China, while some candidates and local jurisdictions support pausing or limiting new projects.
Data center expansion is emerging as a decisive issue in several races, particularly Ohio's Senate contest, where the state has more than 200 data centers. President Trump defended continued development at an Ohio rally, arguing that projects generate significant investment and that blocking them could benefit China. He has also launched a proposed "Super Intelligence Force" intended to help the United States maintain an advantage in artificial intelligence.
Public opposition is centered on potential increases in household electricity bills, water consumption and unwanted local development. A referenced NBC poll found that 64% of voters would be less likely to support a candidate who favors building a data center in their community. In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro tightened rules related to data center energy use and community approval, while his opponent, Stacy Gity, called for pausing development. More than 30 jurisdictions, most of them in Ohio, are also considering ballot measures to limit or prohibit local data center construction.