Trump says he ‘wouldn’t necessarily like’ a data center right next to his house
Some Virginia residents already face the reality of having a data center in their backyard.
President Donald Trump expressed his mixed feelings about having a data center in his immediate vicinity. During an interview with Time Magazine, Trump stated that he would like to see data centers in his county, but he emphasized that he wouldn't want one right next to his home. This sentiment echoes the concerns of some Virginia residents who already reside near data centers that extend beyond their property lines.
Trump's views on data centers and the AI industry have been strongly supportive, as recent polling indicates public skepticism towards the technology. Despite this, the president has also acknowledged the financial benefits these facilities can bring to communities. He argued that communities that resist data center development are losing out on potential tax revenue, which could otherwise stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
However, Trump's perspective on the matter is often portrayed as critical of those who oppose data center development. He characterized such communities as impoverished and crime-ridden, suggesting that they should embrace the presence of these facilities. Amidst the growing backlash against data centers, some individuals in the tech industry, such as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have explored alternative solutions to meet the computational demands of advanced AI models.
Musk has even proposed the idea of orbital data centers, while Altman has suggested that deserts could be more suitable locations for data centers.
In a recent encounter with AI executives at the White House, Trump encouraged the public to embrace data centers as a means of benefiting their communities. He claimed that these facilities would become "very popular" once residents understand the positive impact they can have on their local economies. This includes potential benefits such as supplying oil and gas, supporting education, and aiding financially in various ways.
One example of the challenges faced by Trump's proposed data center vision can be seen in Loudoun County, Virginia, home to "Data Center Alley." In 2025, the county's supervisors decided to end the practice of granting by-right approvals for new data centers. Instead, any new proposals must now undergo a more stringent review process that includes public hearings.
Trump's desire for a data center in his own county is further complicated by the fact that last week, Palm Beach County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on constructing large-scale data centers. While a smaller data center proposal is expected to proceed, it remains to be seen whether this trend will extend to other counties and ultimately impact Trump's vision for data centers in his backyard.
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