Donald Trump Slams US Areas Rejecting Data Centers: 'Backwards and Poor'

President Donald Trump has criticized local communities for rejecting data center projects, asserting that such opposition will lead to economic decline and poverty. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that areas that oppose data centers risk becoming "backwards and poor," while those that accept them will gain from investment, job creation, and lower taxes.

He labeled the anti-data center movement as dangerous, warning that Beijing would welcome efforts to slow U.S. data infrastructure development. Trump emphasized the importance of data centers as a key driver of future prosperity and warned against the movement, stating that "if you want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign."

The president framed the issue as a strategic competition with China, suggesting that rejecting data centers could please Beijing. Trump concluded his post by stating that communities that kill the "Golden Goose" would only blame themselves. Newsweek reached out to the Department of Energy for comment on Trump's remarks.

Recent polling indicates that skepticism about data centers extends to Trump's own supporters. An Economist/YouGov poll conducted between August 21-24 found that 47% of 2024 Trump voters opposed new data centers in their communities, compared to 35% who supported them. Data centers demand significant electricity and water, raising concerns about noise, power grid strain, utility bills, and environmental impact.

Despite these concerns, major tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google continue to build massive data facilities for AI development and cloud services. Public opposition has surged, with 70% of Americans opposing data centers in their communities, according to a Gallup survey, and 41% opposing facilities within three miles of their homes, according to Politico polling.

Opposition to data centers spans the political spectrum and has influenced policy decisions. New York enacted a statewide moratorium on data centers in July, while lawmakers in over a dozen other states have considered similar restrictions. This opposition has resulted in delays for numerous projects. The Information reported that more than 500 localities have stalled data center development, and Data Center Watch found that over 75 projects worth roughly $130 billion were halted in the first three months of 2026 alone, nearly matching the number blocked during all of 2025.

Electricity costs are a major driver of backlash against data centers. The Economist/YouGov poll found that 62% of Americans believe a new data center in their community would increase electricity costs, while 13% thought it would have no effect and 3% claimed it would lower costs. Even among Trump's 2024 voters, 52% believed a local data center would likely raise power bills, highlighting the challenge faced by advocates who argue that these facilities bring economic and strategic benefits.

Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged that opposition to data centers is often driven by concerns over rising household electricity costs rather than artificial intelligence worries. She argued that companies should utilize federal deregulatory efforts to pair new data centers with additional power generation, ensuring that facilities put power back into the grid instead of taking it out.

Ohio Senator John Husted, in a more nuanced stance, framed the debate as a local decision rather than a national mandate, noting that some Ohio communities that embraced data centers have seen increased tax revenue and lower property taxes. Husted emphasized that local officials, not Washington, should decide whether to approve projects, ensuring that the burden of energy costs is not passed onto residents.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, also up for re-election, blamed data center developers for public opposition, stating that the industry's rapid expansion has fueled anger across the state and beyond. Abbott urged for more collaboration between developers and local communities to address concerns.