Trump loves data centers, voters don’t. Of course he’s doubling down right before the midterms.

As of mid-2026, data centers have become a contentious issue in the United States. A majority of Americans, 75%, oppose the construction of these facilities near their communities. This sentiment is particularly strong among Trump supporters, who are quick to dismiss concerns about data centers as the product of a Chinese propaganda campaign. The shift in public opinion on data centers has been rapid, with opposition to them increasing by 12 points between spring and summer 2026, from 49% to 61%.

Trump has capitalized on this backlash, arguing that opposition to data centers is a sign of backwardness and poverty. He has been pushing for increased investment in data centers and AI infrastructure, touting the economic benefits they bring. However, critics point to the environmental and economic costs of these facilities, including land use, water consumption, utility bill increases, and negative impacts on rural life.

The opposition to data centers is bipartisan, with even high-profile Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez advocating for a moratorium on new data centers.

The timing of Trump's pushback on the pushback is particularly unfortunate, as midterm elections are just two months away. This strategic move could backfire, as internal polling among Republicans now shows the facilities to be as unpopular as "spent nuclear waste." In response to the backlash, Trump has shifted his messaging, attacking those who oppose data centers and accusing them of wanting to become "backwards and poor."

This divisive rhetoric has only served to further polarize the issue and undermine any potential for bipartisan cooperation on the topic.