Let Data Reign
US President Donald Trump on Monday attacked opponents of artificial intelligence data centers, saying they would end up "backwards and poor" and were helping rival China. A backlash against the energy-guzzling centers has become a surprise issue in November's US midterm elections, with Trump at odds with many Republicans.
"The only reason that communities throughout the USA should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "If they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign." He added: "If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame."
70% opposed
Polls show a majority of Americans are now against building the centers, amid complaints about rising electricity bills and noise from the facilities. A Fox News survey in July showed that 70 percent of respondents opposed the building of an AI data center in their area, including 60 percent of Republicans and 76 percent of Democrats. Candidates in at least 21 races across 18 states have aired television advertisements mentioning data centers this cycle, almost evenly divided between both parties.
Trump did not repeat allegations that China may be stoking opposition, but said Beijing would be pleased. "China could not be happier with this anti Data Center movement. Actually, they can't believe it is happening!" China is on course to nearly double its data center capacity within the next five years, as an AI race with the United States intensifies.
Vance more measured
Vice President JD Vance took a more measured tone during a campaign visit to Michigan. "Probably 99 percent of the backlash to data centers has come in areas where building a data center means higher utility and higher electricity," Vance told reporters. "If you build a data center, you should be putting power back into the grid, not taking it out."