Missouri Governor Links Data Center Opposition to Foreign Misinformation, Faces Pushback
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has alleged that foreign adversaries are spreading misinformation about AI data centers to Missouri residents, a claim not backed by provided evidence. Local opposition groups, particularly the Pacific ROOT Coalition in Franklin County, are demanding the governor provide proof or retract his statements, citing legitimate concerns over water, energy, and environmental impacts. The governor's remarks echo similar reports from OpenAI regarding foreign influence operations.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe recently claimed that foreign adversaries are spreading misinformation regarding AI data centers to Missourians, a statement made at a data center forum in Rolla in response to local protests. Governor Kehoe suggested these unnamed enemies aim to hinder U.S. technological development, but has not yet provided evidence to support his assertions connecting foreign influence operations to Missouri residents.
The Governor's claims align with findings from OpenAI, which reported banning accounts linked to Chinese state-sponsored influence operations attempting to amplify U.S. domestic concerns about technology. Social media research firm Graphika corroborated these efforts, identifying 119 inauthentic accounts.
In response, the Pacific ROOT Coalition, an anti-data center group in Franklin County, has demanded that Governor Kehoe either present evidence for his accusations or withdraw them. The coalition, representing diverse community members, stated that their opposition stems from legitimate concerns about water use, electrical demand, noise, environmental impacts, property values, and local control. State Rep. Ashley Aune, the Missouri House Democratic Party leader, also urged the Governor to address constituents' concerns directly. Governor Kehoe has not responded to requests for evidence or to the coalition's letter.