Humans First Stages 100-Plus US Protests Against AI Data Centers as Local Backlash Spreads
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 18
Humans First Stages 100-Plus US Protests Against AI Data Centers as Local Backlash Spreads
2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 18
Summary
More than 100 demonstrations were planned nationwide Saturday, marking the first coordinated US protest day against AI data centers under the new conservative nonprofit Humans First.
Kenilworth, New Jersey, became one flashpoint as residents rallied against a $1.8 billion project approved in May; a petition to halt construction drew more than 12,000 signatures in a borough of about 8,500 people.
Protesters say the facilities drain water, strain power grids, raise electricity costs and move through opaque approval processes, even as companies argue they are essential to AI growth, jobs and competition with China.
The campaign lands as the US data-center buildout accelerates — more than 1,400 AI sites had been built or approved by end-2025 — and as Trump backs the $500 billion Stargate expansion push.