Trump says data center protesters are "making a mistake," but his allies disagree

President Trump defended the rapid expansion of data centers across the US during an interview, asserting that communities opposing their construction are making a mistake. He explained that data centers generate numerous jobs and substantial revenue, and emphasized that concerns about excessive power consumption are no longer valid, as companies are now building their own power plants following the Ratepayer Protection Pledge.

Trump also highlighted the US's leadership in AI, stating that new data centers are crucial for maintaining America's position in the sector.

However, many of Trump's allies and supporters, including Republican politicians like Vivek Ramaswamy, Mike Rogers, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have taken a different stance on the issue ahead of the November elections. Ramaswamy proposed an "Ohioans-First" pledge that would impose a moratorium on data centers in the state unless companies guarantee relief from property taxes for local residents.

Rogers announced backing for an initiative preventing the construction of new data centers until local communities' concerns are addressed.

Texas Governor Abbott, a long-time Trump supporter, also voiced opposition to data centers, saying they have "dug their own grave" by moving into rural communities without consulting residents. This marks a significant shift for Abbott, who had welcomed Google's plans to build three data center campuses in Texas earlier in the year, positioning the state as a hub for AI development.

A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 61% of Americans oppose the construction of new data centers in their area, a significant increase from 49% in March, with opposition cutting across party lines.