Donald Trump has consistently championed the development of data centers, arguing that communities rejecting them are making a "mistake" and risk being left "backwards and poor." He highlights the "enormous" job creation and "tremendous tax revenue" that data centers bring to towns and cities, urging local officials to embrace them. Trump has stated that if he were a mayor or governor, he would "absolutely want" an "AI plant or a data center" in his jurisdiction, contrasting his view with the widespread public opposition.
Despite Trump's pro-data center stance, there is significant public backlash. A Gallup survey indicates that 71% of Americans are opposed to data centers in their communities, a higher percentage than those opposing nuclear power plants. Concerns include increased electricity bills, water depletion, noise and air pollution, and changes to community character, alongside states offering lucrative tax breaks for these facilities. Even the Senate Republicans' campaign arm has warned that opposition to data centers could jeopardize election outcomes.
Trump's position puts him at odds with some Republican leaders, such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who recently paused approvals for new data centers in the state. Abbott's moratorium aims to gather more information on their power and water usage, potential tax breaks, and environmental impacts, citing concerns from constituents about resource strain and pollution. Trump, however, viewed Texas's stance as a "mistake," asserting that other communities are eager to host data centers due to the financial benefits.
Trump has also suggested that AI companies should build their own power plants for data centers, which he claims would avoid drawing power from the existing grid. He believes the industry needs "a little public relations help" to address the public's environmental and economic concerns. While acknowledging the opposition, Trump continues to promote data centers as essential for economic growth and warns against being "left behind" if communities do not embrace them. He recently signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, supported by 23 Republican governors, aimed at safeguarding households from potential utility cost increases linked to data center expansion.
