Trump says communities that reject data centers will end up "backwards and poor" and that "China could not be happier with this anti Data Center movement" (Cheyanne M. Daniels/Politico)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned voters that opposition to data centre development could only lead to the downfall of the country, as the issue gains attention ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. The controversy stems from the rising energy costs and disruptions to local communities caused by the construction of new data centres. As the U.S. competes with China in the field of artificial intelligence, Trump claims that Beijing is delighted with the increased opposition.

In an address on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged supporters to embrace data centers, claiming that they are essential for the nation's prosperity and low taxes. He stated, "If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame." This sentiment has resonated with some U.S. candidates, with advertisements related to data centres appearing in at least 21 races across 18 states, with roughly equal distribution among both parties.

However, some media reports suggest that China may be exacerbating the opposition by encouraging it, as a congressional committee calls for an investigation. Despite not repeating the allegation, Trump affirmed that Beijing would be pleased with the situation, noting that China is poised to nearly double its data centre capacity within the next five years as it intensifies its AI race with the United States.

The debate over data centre development is not limited to the United States, as Australia recently established new rules that allow states to determine how to power new data centres, following objections from Queensland and the Northern Territory to a proposed nationwide mandate for renewable energy use.