Donald Trump Urges Data Center Expansion to Beat China

President Donald Trump urged American communities to embrace the construction of AI data centers on Monday, arguing that those who resist the facilities risk becoming "backwards and poor." In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump framed the infrastructure as essential for job growth and lower taxes, warning that opposition to the industry would benefit China.

Despite the president's push, polling indicates significant bipartisan resistance, with reports suggesting nearly 70% of Americans oppose placing data centers in their own communities. Concerns center on noise pollution, environmental impacts, and rising utility costs. Within the Republican Party, a National Republicans memo warned that defending these facilities could create electoral risks for GOP candidates.

Some lawmakers have found common ground across party lines. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania backed the expansion, stating the U.S. must win the war for AI supremacy over China. Vice President JD Vance supported the facilities as essential to the AI economy, provided they are built alongside their own power plants.

Other officials have taken a more cautious approach. Ohio Senator Jon Husted continues to advocate for the facilities due to property tax reductions, though he introduced legislation to mitigate the financial impact of their energy consumption. Meanwhile, Representative Chris Deluzio condemned Trump's rhetoric as disrespectful to citizens with legitimate local concerns.