President Donald Trump attacks Americans protesting against new data centers in the United States, telling them that communities rejecting the projects will become “backwards and poor.” In posts on Truth Social, he also claims “China could not be happier,” framing the opposition as benefiting foreign interests. Multiple outlets report the comments land as opposition to data centers grows and becomes more visible in political campaigning.
The backlash is driven by concerns that data centers increase household and local costs and strain resources. Sources cite issues such as rising electricity bills, water use, and noise. Coverage also links the growing opposition to election pressures, with polling in at least one Ohio race and reporting that the issue cuts across party lines, including Republican lawmakers and candidates in closer contests who have distanced themselves from the projects.
Outlets vary in emphasis. Some focus on Trump’s confrontational rhetoric and his efforts to portray the opposition negatively, while others highlight how the AI boom and related state-level battles over energy and water are shaping the debate. Several also note that, despite Trump’s strong support, candidates may seek to avoid the issue as bipartisan public resistance strengthens ahead of the November midterms.
