Trump says data centers should pay dividends to improve their negative image
President Donald Trump proposed that companies building data centers pay dividends to local communities or residents to improve public support for projects. The proposal comes as polling shows strong opposition to data centers over environmental impacts, energy costs and quality-of-life concerns, including in Hazel Township, Pennsylvania, where a $10,000-per-household offer has not eliminated resident concerns.
President Donald Trump proposed using community dividends to make data centers more acceptable to residents who oppose them. In a post on Truth Social, Trump argued that companies could win support by paying communities or individuals where facilities are built, while continuing to expand U.S. artificial-intelligence capacity and compete with China.
Reporter Tom Dempsey said polling by The Washington Post and ABC News found that 66% of respondents opposed data center construction nationally, rising to 72% when asked about projects in their own communities. In Hazel Township, Pennsylvania, companies reportedly offered each household $10,000 if residents approved a data center plan, but some residents continued to cite noise and distrust of developers.
The report said data center opposition is becoming an election issue, with a Decision Desk HQ poll finding that 54% of respondents would be less likely to support a candidate who backs data centers. It also stated that nearly every state has enacted legislation intended to curb data center construction, while others are considering similar measures.