US President Donald Trump criticized opposition to data centres that support the expanding artificial intelligence (AI) sector, highlighting concerns that such resistance could undermine economic growth. Speaking on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump argued that communities resisting the construction of these facilities risk falling behind economically.
Energy-intensive data centres, which power AI development and other digital services, have become a contentious issue ahead of November’s midterm elections. Voters in multiple states have expressed frustration over rising electricity costs and noise generated by these infrastructures. According to campaign advertising data, candidates in at least 21 races across 18 states have referenced data centres, with messaging split between Democrats and Republicans.
Trump positioned data centres as vital to economic success, urging communities to embrace them for the jobs and lower taxes they can bring. “If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame,” he stated, underscoring the potential economic risks of restricting data centre expansion.
Reports suggest that China may be encouraging opposition to data centres in the United States as part of broader geopolitical competition. A congressional committee has called for an investigation into potential foreign influence aimed at fomenting resistance against these facilities. Trump did not explicitly repeat these claims but noted that Beijing would be pleased with the current backlash. “China could not be happier with this anti Data Centre movement. Actually, they can’t believe it is happening!” he said.
China is rapidly increasing its data centre capacity to nearly double current levels within the next five years, reflecting the intensifying global AI rivalry between the United States and China.
Trump is scheduled to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House in September, a high-profile diplomatic engagement set against the backdrop of increasing tensions in technology and trade sectors.
As the debate over data centres continues, stakeholders are weighing the balance between economic development, environmental concerns, and national competitiveness in the evolving landscape of AI technology.