Trump highlights AI data center energy use as construction for Dalton facility advances

Construction continues on a large AI data center campus in Dalton, Georgia, nearly a year after Whitfield County approved rezoning that drew strong opposition from nearby residents. During his State of the Union address, President Trump addressed concerns that AI data centers could strain local power grids and increase electric bills. The 173-acre project near Old Tilton Road was approved despite pushback from families concerned about noise, traffic, and quality-of-life impacts. Dalton-Whitfield Joint Development Authority has emphasized the economic benefits, noting the company is spending approximately $5 million per month on local electricity.