Why Trump's Energy Secretary Wants Data Centers to Cover the U.S.
News ClipInbox.lv·DC·4/12/2026
Former Trump Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses the urgent need for increased energy production to support AI's growth, advocating for keeping old coal plants open and accelerating nuclear power. He emphasizes balancing data center energy demands with preventing electricity price hikes for consumers. Wright also downplays climate risks while highlighting AI's benefits for human well-being and efficiency.
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Gov: US Department of Energy, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Former Trump Energy Secretary Chris Wright, interviewed by TIME for its 'Architects of AI' feature, identified the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure as the Trump administration's top scientific priority. Wright, who advocates for AI's role in scientific advancements like cancer research, asserted the critical need to boost U.S. electricity generation to power the growing demand from data centers, while also downplaying climate change concerns.
Wright emphasized the importance of preventing the closure of old coal plants, many of which he claims are slated to shut down for