Trump says any governor or mayor should want to welcome an AI data center
Former President Donald Trump urged state and local officials to welcome AI data centers, emphasizing their job creation and tax revenue benefits. He acknowledged public concerns regarding environmental impact, electricity, and water usage, suggesting the industry needs better public relations. Trump also discussed expediting the permitting process and his approach to regulating the AI sector.
Former President Donald Trump called on governors and mayors across the U.S. to actively welcome the development of AI data centers in their communities, touting their potential for substantial job creation and significant tax revenue. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday during a meeting with technology and cryptocurrency industry leaders, Trump stated he would "absolutely want" such projects and warned that localities not embracing them would be "left behind.
Trump addressed public opposition to data centers, referencing a May Gallup poll indicating that most Americans are concerned about their environmental impact, as well as their considerable demands for electricity and water. He suggested the AI industry could benefit from improved "public relations" to counter these negative perceptions. Additionally, Trump highlighted AI's potential for medical innovation.
The former President offered insights into his regulatory philosophy for AI, an industry he believes "may be bigger than the internet." He advocated for regulations that would allow the U.S. to maintain its leadership without stifling growth. Trump also mentioned his administration's past efforts, including an executive order from July, aimed at expediting the permitting process for data centers and encouraging developers to secure new, independent electricity sources to alleviate grid strain and prevent cost increases for consumers. The article noted his previous initiative, "Stargate," a private-sector joint venture launched in 2025, focused on investing up to $500 billion in U.S. AI infrastructure, with its flagship facility in Abilene, Texas, already partially operational.