Protests against AI data centers play into China's hands, Trump says
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President Trump criticized growing local opposition to AI data centers in the US, arguing on Truth Social that communities rejecting them would become "backwards and poor" and that the movement benefits China in the AI race. A March Gallup poll found 71 percent of Americans oppose such facilities near their homes, citing concerns over electricity costs, noise, and water use. Research group Data Center Watch reported that grassroots campaigns blocked or delayed at least 75 projects worth roughly $130 billion in early 2026, prompting responses from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft. China is reportedly planning to nearly double its data center capacity in five years, and US media have suggested Beijing may be actively fueling domestic opposition, leading a congressional committee to call for an investigation. The White House is not fully united on the issue, as Vice President Vance emphasized data centers' importance but advised operators to build their own power plants rather than burden local grids.
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