Trump Accuses China of Funding Anti Data Center Campaign

Former President Donald Trump has accused China of secretly funding a campaign aimed at turning Americans against AI data centers. Speaking on the matter, Trump claimed that China is spending significant money to promote opposition, stating that "whoever wins the AI race is going to win AI" and that the U.S. is currently beating China in this domain. He suggested that communities giving data centers a hard time are being influenced by China's efforts.

This accusation coincides with a nationwide increase in opposition to data centers, with protests reported in 42 states last month alone. In response to these concerns, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a temporary halt on new data center approvals. Governor Abbott's directive mandates that regulators conduct audits and requires developers to disclose critical information regarding electricity consumption, water usage, and tax incentives.

The growing pushback against data centers is supported by various reports and surveys. A United Nations University report warns that global data center energy consumption already surpasses that of all but ten countries. Furthermore, a recent Gallup survey indicated that approximately 70% of Americans would oppose a data center being built near their homes, highlighting the widespread public sentiment against these facilities.