Trump questions Texas data center move in surging political battle
President Trump is touting the benefits of AI data centers after Texas moved to more strictly regulate the industry, which has rapidly become a political lightning rod across the political spectrum. Trump waded into the debate during an interview last week, saying it would be a mistake to push back on data centers following Texas...
In a nearly hour-long interview with Punchbowl News, President Donald Trump rebuked Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision to pause approvals for new data centers in the state, calling the move a "mistake." Trump stated, "I think it’s a mistake. And I'm not taking positions, I just think it’s a mistake, because there are other communities that want it."
He emphasized the economic importance of data centers, suggesting that the industry could be bigger than oil for Texas. The president's comments came after Abbott ordered a temporary halt on approvals for data centers seeking connections to the Texas electric grid, citing concerns over the industry's growing demands for electricity and water.
Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, defended the pause, stating that the governor's top priority was to protect Texans' safety and quality of life and ensure the integrity of the state's power grid and water supply.
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