Trump says U.S. communities opposing AI data centers could end up 'backwards and poor'

President Trump has warned Americans against opposing data centers, even as the AI industry launches a targeted campaign to sway skeptics. In a bid to appeal to voters before the midterms, Trump argues that data centers are essential for a prosperous future, promising lower taxes, job growth and revitalized towns. However, a recent poll shows that 61% of Americans oppose new data centers, including 54% of Republicans.

Build American AI, an advocacy group backed by pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future, is investing $50 million to defend data centers in key states, while tech leaders like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang join the cause. Critics argue that Trump's intervention will only fuel backlash, as Democrats capitalize on the issue to portray AI as a wealthy elite project imposed on ordinary Americans.