CoreWeave CEO: America's data center backlash won't stop the AI build-out

Major tech firms are rushing to build data centers in the U.S. to support their AI initiatives, but they face significant hurdles. Skilled labor shortages and local opposition are the main obstacles to constructing these energy-intensive facilities. Michael Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave, spoke at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia & Tech Conference about how these issues are being politicized, particularly as midterm elections approach.

Despite the political climate, Intrator is adamant that demand for computing power won't be deterred by local regulations. He explains that data centers will simply relocate to other regions instead of stopping construction altogether. This move could result in higher costs but won't halt the AI infrastructure development. Data center opposition has slowed progress: in the first three months of 2026, 75 projects worth $130 billion were blocked or delayed, a figure similar to the entire 2025 period.

Public opinion is against it as well, with 70% of Americans opposing the establishment of AI data centers locally, and nearly half (48%) strongly opposing. CoreWeave has been proactive in diversifying its locations for infrastructure development within the US and abroad, securing over a gigawatt of capacity outside the U.S. Intrator emphasizes the importance of good neighbor relationships and building high-quality infrastructure to address community concerns.