Trump says U.S. communities opposing AI data centers could end up 'backwards and poor'
Former President Donald Trump warned U.S. communities opposing data centers could become economically "backwards and poor." His comments come amid growing voter backlash against data center developments, which a Republican memo identified as a significant political challenge, particularly in an Ohio Senate race. Concerns over electricity and water use are driving local opposition.
Former President Donald Trump issued a strong rebuke to U.S. communities opposing new data center developments, stating that such areas risk becoming "backwards and poor." He suggested that rejecting data centers would harm economic prosperity, lead to higher taxes, and result in job losses, while also benefiting competitors like China. Trump's comments underscore a broader political challenge for Republicans, who are confronting voter backlash over data center projects ahead of the November midterm elections.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) had previously warned in a memo that negative perceptions of data centers are expanding beyond Ohio and could significantly impact electoral outcomes. The memo highlighted that internal polling in Ohio shows the issue as a major factor in the Senate race between Republican Sen. Jon Husted and Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown, with Brown reportedly making his opposition to data centers a central theme of his campaign due to its effectiveness.
The rapid construction of AI data centers across the U.S. has fueled widespread community opposition, driven by concerns over increased electricity costs, high power consumption, and substantial water usage. A Gallup survey in March revealed that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local areas. Similarly, Wolfe Research reported a "breathtaking" pace of backlash, noting a significant decline in public support for local data center development across political affiliations.