Opposition to Meta AI Data Center Grows in Maysville, Kentucky
Residents and landowners in Maysville, including some supporters of President Donald Trump, are protesting Meta's proposed AI data center and questioning land-sale agreements. Mason County approved the plans for a project covering more than 2,000 acres southwest of Maysville, which officials say could create more than 400 permanent jobs and about 2,000 construction and trade jobs.
Opposition to Meta's planned AI data center is growing in Maysville, a small northern Kentucky community and strong Republican area. Local activists, including Max Moran, say the project represents an unacceptable expansion into the community, while landowners Delsa and Ida say they were pressured to consider selling their 1,200-acre farm. The family reportedly rejected an offer of $26 million and says the land represents their freedom, faith and independence.
The resistance has created a political divide among some of President Donald Trump's supporters, who disagree with his reported criticism of communities that oppose data centers. Residents also raised concerns about the broader implications of artificial intelligence and the loss of farmland. Despite the opposition, Mason County approved the data center plans. The development is expected to span more than 2,000 acres southwest of Maysville, employ over 400 full-time workers when completed and generate roughly 2,000 construction and trade jobs.