Trump Defends AI Data Centers—Says Opposing Them Is A ‘Mistake’

President Donald Trump defended the ongoing buildout of AI data centers across the country and stated the communities opposing them were making a mistake, as he continued to embrace the controversial buildout of AI infrastructure despite growing public backlash and opposition from governors from both parties. In his interview with former fixer Michael Cohen, which aired in full on Sunday evening, Trump asserted the U.S.

was “leading China in AI ” The president said he was letting the AI companies “build their own power plants” and claimed these data centers were not taking “power from the grid,” which he described as old and “tired.” Trump said, “Frankly, communities that don’t take a data center are making a mistake,” and claimed that there’s “plenty of communities” that want them. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Key Analysis and Detailed Timeline

He argued that data centers will lead to more jobs and “tremendous tax revenue coming into the towns and cities,” and said that the “smart ones” are calling for them to be built in their communities. Last week, while hosting several crypto industry executives at the White House, the president said he would “absolutely want” a data center in his area if he were given the chance, whether as a mayor of a town or the governor of a state.

The president’s comments in support of data centers were aired shortly after Texas’ Republican Gov. Gregg Abbott appeared on ABC News on Sunday morning and said the AI industry, “basically dug their own grave for the problem that’s been caused for them, and that’s why they got the backlash they deserve.” Abbott blasted the companies, saying they did not coordinate with state or local governments.

Abbott’s comments are the most serious pushback that data centers and AI companies have faced from a prominent GOP leader—and it echoes similar stances taken Earlier this month, Abbott announced a moratorium on the approval for new data centers until authorities can “comprehensive verification and audit of all data centers,” being added to the state’s grid.

Read More: Rising Long-Term Yields Reshape Banking Landscape

Broader Impact and Sector Outlook

Last month, New York also instituted a moratorium on large new data center buildouts until it develops new environmental regulations and examines their impact on the power grid, among other things. Trump’s remarks about data centers come amid concerns that the growing public opposition to them could negatively impact the Republicans in the midterms.

Last week, the National Republican Senatorial Committee sent out an internal memo warning that Democrat Sherrod Brown had made his opposition to data centers the “centerpiece” of his campaign against incumbent Republican Sen.

John Husted in Ohio. The memo warned: “More than any other thing in this race, data centers are the anchor hanging around Husted’s neck.

If he loses and data centers get the blame, politicians across the country will take notice.” A Gallup survey published earlier this year found that 71% of Americans are somewhat or strongly opposed to data centers in their communities, a higher share than the 53% who oppose nuclear energy plants.

Opposition to data centers is strongest among Democrats, with 75% somewhat or strongly against such build-outs. A majority of Republicans (63%) and Independents (74%) also oppose data center building work. People Would Rather Have Nuclear Power Plants In Their Area Than AI Data Centers (Forbes)