Trump Mocks Data Center Opponents as 'Backwards and Poor' as Midterm Backlash Spreads to 12+ Towns
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 31
Trump Mocks Data Center Opponents as 'Backwards and Poor' as Midterm Backlash Spreads to 12+ Towns
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 31
Summary
Trump said on Truth Social that communities rejecting AI data centers would become “backwards and poor,” urging them to “let Data Reign” for jobs, lower taxes and growth.
Polling shows most Americans oppose data centers in their communities, reflecting fears over environmental damage, higher utility bills and job losses tied to AI.
More than a dozen cities and towns are already seeing political fallout, with local officials facing recall efforts after backing the energy-intensive facilities.
The issue is spilling into 2026 races: an NRSC memo said data centers are hurting Senator Jon Husted in Ohio, while Wisconsin Republican Tom Tiffany is attacking Democrat David Crowley over past support.
Trump has broken with that broader caution, arguing resistance to data centers would hand an advantage to China as AI infrastructure becomes a national political flashpoint.