Senator requests DOJ probe into foreign influence on US AI data center opposition
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton has requested a federal investigation into alleged foreign manipulation, primarily by the Chinese Communist Party, of American public opinion against new artificial intelligence data centers. The request to the U.S. Department of Justice highlights concerns that foreign actors are exploiting legitimate community fears over energy and water consumption to undermine American technological development. This comes amidst a surge in proposed AI data center projects across the country, vital for national security and economic strength.
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has urged the Trump administration to launch a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into alleged foreign influence campaigns, particularly by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), aimed at manipulating American public opinion against new artificial intelligence (AI) data center developments. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Senator Cotton cited "alarming reports" indicating a network of foreign actors is attempting to sway U.S. policy and public sentiment regarding data centers.
Cotton emphasized the critical importance of maintaining America's AI advantage for economic, diplomatic, and national security interests. He acknowledged legitimate concerns among Americans regarding potential rising energy costs and strains on natural resources associated with data centers. However, he cautioned against allowing foreign adversaries to "extort these fears and undermine our technological development." The letter cited a report detailing a multi-year campaign, allegedly funded by Neville Roy Singham, a Shanghai-based American expatriate scrutinized for his ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
This foreign-funded network, reportedly funneling over $2 billion into U.S. advocacy organizations, is accused of producing content opposing American AI infrastructure development. The article also noted Senator Bernie Sanders recently hosted a panel on "the existential threat of AI" that included two Chinese government affiliates, one from Tsinghua University, linked to China's military-civil fusion strategy. Cotton's request highlights concerns that no entity in this network has been charged under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), urging a comprehensive DOJ investigation into these matters.