Trump warns that towns rejecting data centers will be 'backwards and poor' and says China benefits from the opposition.
Communities across the United States should cease opposing data center projects, President Donald Trump said. He cautioned on Truth Social that any town turning away such developments would find itself backward and poor.
In the lead-up to the November midterms, Republicans are encountering growing voter frustration regarding data center construction.
The president described data center development as a national economic opportunity. He said communities that welcome these projects enjoy job creation and reduced tax burdens, while other sites stand ready to take on any proposals turned away.
In the meantime, AI-related projects are drawing pushback in both Republican- and Democratic-controlled regions. Locals point to increased power costs, water consumption, and pressure on local electricity networks.
Authorities have imposed permit freezes and outright prohibitions. Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, has strengthened the review process for large-scale developments.
Greg Abbott, Texas governor, put a hold on new grid connections until an audit is completed. New York implemented a moratorium on hyperscale data centers statewide in July.
According to a Heatmap Pro investigation, over 500 counties and local governments were limiting or barring new data centers by the end of July. Trump characterized that opposition as a present to China.
“The good news is that there are plenty of other places that want them. If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame. China could not be happier with this anti-Data Center movement. Actually, they can’t believe it is happening!” he said.
Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator, replied on X. He argued that those opposing data centers are safeguarding their localities rather than opting for poverty.
“No, Mr. President, the 75% of Americans who oppose data centers in their communities do not want to be ‘backwards and poor.’ They want a decent future for themselves, their kids and their communities… They have every right to be concerned,” he said.
Concerns are rising within the president's own party. A confidential National Republican Senatorial Committee memo, acquired by Axios, cautioned that the opposition to data centers would extend well beyond Ohio unless public opinion shifts promptly.
In Ohio, Senator Jon Husted is up against Democrat Sherrod Brown, who has turned resistance to data centers into a key campaign issue.
“If he loses and data centers get the blame, politicians across the country will take notice — and they will not go near the next one…This has become a sleeper issue for the entire election cycle,” the memo reads.
The effectiveness of Trump's jobs-and-taxes argument will indicate whether the White House can curb a movement that has already cut across party affiliations.
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