Former President Donald Trump has strongly advocated for the construction of data centers, arguing that communities which do not embrace them are making a "mistake" and risk being left "backwards and poor." He stated that data centers bring jobs and "tremendous tax revenue," and that "smart" communities are actively seeking them. Trump's stance, expressed in various interviews and at White House events, is that these facilities are essential for artificial intelligence and other digital services, and he has mentioned allowing companies to build their own power plants to alleviate grid concerns.
Trump's position is notably at odds with public sentiment. Multiple polls indicate significant opposition to data centers. A May Gallup survey found 70% of Americans oppose building them in their communities, with 48% strongly opposing. A June Reuters-Ipsos poll showed 45% opposed to new data centers generally, and this opposition rose to 59% when centers were within 10 miles of homes. While 61% of Americans acknowledged data centers are necessary, 77% preferred them to be built in remote locations.
Critics, including environmentalists and anti-AI activists, highlight that data centers consume substantial amounts of water and energy, generate noise and electronic waste, and create relatively few long-term jobs. Despite these concerns, Trump insists on their economic benefits. His comments come as some Republicans, like Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have expressed strong pushback against the AI industry, criticizing them for a lack of coordination with local governments. Trump, however, has consistently dismissed these objections, suggesting the industry needs better public relations.
