Trump attacks anti-data center backlash as AI fight with China heats up
Why it matters: Data centers have become a midterm campaign issue in at least 21 races across 18 states as power costs and noise draw voter anger.
President Donald Trump blasted growing US opposition to data centers, arguing the pushback could weaken the country as China expands infrastructure for the AI race. In a Truth Social post on Aug. 31, Trump said communities rejecting data centers risk becoming “backwards and poor” and losing jobs and tax benefits. The issue has emerged in November’s midterm elections, with candidates in at least 21 races across 18 states running TV ads about the facilities. Residents have complained about higher electricity bills and noise tied to energy-hungry sites. Trump, who is due to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House in September, said Beijing would welcome the anti-data center movement. China is on track to nearly double its data center capacity within five years.