Political uncertainty may temporarily slow AI data center construction, strategist says
Investment strategist Nancy Tengler said political uncertainty could temporarily slow artificial intelligence infrastructure spending, but argued that data center construction will continue. She cited Google's announced $16 billion data center investment in Wyoming and said future facilities may need to provide their own power and use recycled water to address opposition.
Laffer Tengler Investments CEO and CIO Nancy Tengler discussed the potential effects of the 2026 midterm elections on technology stocks and artificial intelligence infrastructure. She predicted a temporary slowdown in infrastructure spending but said data centers would continue to be built, pointing to Google's announced $16 billion data center investment in Wyoming as evidence of ongoing demand.
Tengler said projects could increasingly be located in states with more favorable policies and may include measures such as self-supplied power and recycled water for cooling. She also discussed political risks facing technology and defense-related companies, including SpaceX and Palantir, but the segment primarily framed data center development as a long-term investment opportunity rather than reporting on a specific local permitting or opposition dispute.