Fact check: Are foreign adversaries spreading lies about data centers to Missourians?

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe claimed last week that foreign adversaries are disseminating misinformation about AI data centers among Missourians, a statement for which he has not provided supporting evidence. Kehoe made these remarks at a data center forum in Rolla, suggesting these external forces aim to impede the United States' technological advancement. His claims came in response to protests by residents concerned about the potential impact of proposed data centers on local water resources, energy supply, and air quality.

While Kehoe's assertions align with reports from OpenAI about foreign influence operations using its models to amplify domestic U.S. concerns regarding data centers and AI, the Governor has failed to provide specific links between such operations and the grassroots opposition within Missouri.

The Pacific ROOT Coalition, an anti-data center group based in Franklin County, has vehemently challenged Kehoe's accusations, demanding that he either produce evidence or retract his statements. The coalition emphasized that local opponents, including farmers, landowners, and veterans, harbor genuine concerns about water usage, electrical demand, noise pollution, environmental impacts, property values, and local control. State Rep. Ashley Aune, the Missouri House Democratic Party leader, also called on Kehoe to listen to his constituents' concerns, while acknowledging that misinformation may exist. Governor Kehoe has not yet responded to requests for evidence or to the coalition's letter.