President Donald Trump expressed strong support for data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI) during a campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on Saturday, joining Republican Senate candidate Jon Husted in advocating for the facilities despite growing local opposition. The rally highlighted the polarizing nature of data centers, particularly in Ohio, where concerns over rising energy costs and community impact have turned the issue into a focal point of the closely contested Senate race.
Mr. Trump, speaking shortly after Mr. Husted, emphasized the economic benefits of data centers, arguing that Ohio stands to gain substantial revenue from hosting them. “We want them,” the president said. “There’s so much money to be made for Ohio, you can’t just turn them off. They’ll go to China.” The remarks underscored a key theme in Mr. Trump’s broader message about maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the fast-evolving AI sector, which he has framed as a critical front in the technological rivalry with China.
The issue has taken on unusual prominence in Ohio, where Mr. Husted, a former lieutenant governor, faces Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown, a former senator. Mr. Brown has made opposition to data center expansion a central part of his campaign, criticizing Mr. Husted for his previous support of data center projects while in state government from 2019 to 2025. According to a recent poll conducted by a research firm, 63 percent of Ohio voters oppose building new data centers, while only 31 percent support them. The poll also found that by an 11-point margin, voters trust Mr. Brown more than Mr. Husted to handle this issue.
Mr. Husted has pushed legislation aimed at protecting consumers from higher electricity costs linked to data center operations, but Democrats blocked the bill in a procedural vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the legislation as insufficient, calling for stronger measures to hold data centers accountable and address AI safety concerns. Mr. Trump praised Mr. Husted’s bill during the rally, blaming Democrats for the opposition and asserting that the effort was supported due to his influence.
The tensions were evident during the rally when Brenda White, a retired nurse from Lorain and supporter of data centers, displayed a sign advocating for a new facility near her home. According to Ms. White, a person believed to be a staff member for Mr. Husted requested that she put the sign away, which she declined. Ms. White confirmed her intention to vote for Mr. Husted, citing her alignment with the Republican Party and Mr. Trump’s endorsement, and noted Mr. Husted’s apparent surprise at her public support for the data centers.
As the data center debate intensifies in Ohio, the issue remains a test for Republicans seeking to balance the economic opportunities associated with AI infrastructure against widespread public concern over energy costs and community impact. Mr. Trump’s high-profile backing of Mr. Husted underscores the administration’s focus on maintaining technological leadership, while the opposition highlights the political risks attached to these large-scale projects.