69% of Americans oppose local AI data centers in 2026 poll — Trump blasts blocking communities on Truth Social for choosing poverty over server farms, throwing off 'tremendous amounts of money'

A recent national poll reveals that 69% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their communities. This sentiment has grown significantly since 2025, with only 4% of respondents expressing strong support for such facilities. The reluctance to host data centers has become a broad issue, cutting across various demographics including age, income, party affiliation, and urban-rural divides.

Public opposition has intensified over the past year, with several recent surveys underscoring this trend. The Decision Desk poll conducted by SurveyMonkey found that 69% of respondents would oppose a facility near their neighborhood, with 45% stating they would strongly oppose it. While data centers may promise economic development, public sentiment now favors caution, with 75% opposing a facility's construction near their community according to Heatmap Pro research.

This resistance is not limited to any particular political group. Republicans, who were already 43 points negative on the issue, now face 65 points of opposition from independents and Democrats who are even more opposed, registering 75 points against the construction. Rural areas, which have traditionally leaned Republican, have also turned against data centers, with 63 points of negative sentiment.

The opposition has prompted responses from state officials. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a one-year pause on new data center projects, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott has frozen several pending initiatives until an audit is conducted. High-profile figures like President Trump have also weighed in, urging communities to embrace data centers for economic prosperity.

However, not everyone shares this view. Some local officials, like Republican supervisor Dawn Vogel, argue that the decision should be based on the best use of land and resources rather than partisan considerations.

As public opinion shifts, lawmakers are re-evaluating their stance on data centers. Ohio Senator Jon Husted, once a champion of the technology, now wants operators to cover additional costs like electricity and water. Labor unions, traditionally supportive of these facilities, are now more cautious, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic benefits with local resource needs.