President Donald Trump sharply criticized communities opposing the development of data centers in the United States, framing such resistance as a choice to remain “backwards and poor.” In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump argued that embracing data centers is essential for economic prosperity, citing benefits like job creation and lower taxes. He also warned that reluctance to support these facilities could advantage China in the global competition over artificial intelligence.

Data centers, which house the massive computing power underpinning advances in artificial intelligence, have become increasingly controversial across the country. While once widely promoted by politicians from both parties as drivers of economic growth, many local residents have expressed concern over the environmental impact, high utility consumption, and potential drawbacks related to the shifting economy. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans are opposed to the construction of more data centers in their communities.

The debate over data centers has evolved into a significant political issue ahead of the November midterm elections. Opposition to these facilities has mobilized voters and placed pressure on elected officials who have approved their construction. In some locations, backlash has led to recall campaigns targeting local politicians supportive of the projects.

At the federal level, the issue is influencing Senate and gubernatorial races. A memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee highlighted how data centers have become a liability for Ohio Senator Jon Husted, a Republican appointed earlier this year. Husted’s Democratic challenger, former Senator Sherrod Brown, has run extensive advertisements branding Husted as aligned with data center interests, portraying them as unpopular among constituents.

In Wisconsin, Republican gubernatorial candidate Representative Tom Tiffany has also sought to link his Democratic opponent, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, with data center support. Crowley has since distanced himself from those associations, emphasizing on his campaign website that if local communities reject data centers, they should not be forced to accept them.

Despite growing resistance, Trump’s remarks indicated no softening of his position. He framed the opposition as detrimental not only to local economies but to U.S. technological competitiveness, suggesting the anti-data center movement could weaken America’s standing relative to China.

The controversy highlights the complex intersection of technological advancement, economic development, and community impact, with data centers embodying broader debates over the future of work, environmental sustainability, and local governance.