Technology
Trump Urges States to Embrace AI, Amid Rising Opposition to Data Centers
President Donald Trump said he is fully supportive of expanding artificial intelligence (AI) across the United States and will collaborate with states that want to attract investment in what he calls “Super Intelligence (SI).” In a post on Truth Social on Friday, November 6, Trump warned that rejecting such investments would be a mistake and urged states to pursue the economic benefits he described as “riches.”
Trump’s remarks come after voters in several states approved ballot measures aimed at restricting or temporarily halting data‑center construction, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of the AI boom on local communities. According to Axios, nearly two dozen of 41 data‑center‑related measures in 10 states appeared headed for approval based on preliminary results from Tuesday’s midterm elections. Many of the measures sought restrictions or pauses on new construction, citing worries that the rapid expansion of data centers— which consume large amounts of electricity and water—could raise utility bills, strain local resources and affect the environment.
The election outcomes could complicate plans for an estimated $10 trillion expansion of AI infrastructure in the United States. Texas, which is expected to account for 41 percent of new U.S. data‑center capacity in 2028, could face particular challenges. Democrat Gina Hinojosa’s victory over Republican Governor Greg Abbott has raised questions about the future of data‑center development in the state. Hinojosa campaigned on maintaining a moratorium on new data centers until lawmakers address concerns involving electricity, water supplies, air quality and property rights. Democrats also won gubernatorial contests in Ohio, Georgia and Arizona, three other states expected to play significant roles in the country’s AI infrastructure expansion.
Trump has previously addressed concerns over large data centers while encouraging investment in the sector. In an October 20 Truth Social post, he said major data centers should generate their own electricity, sell excess power to local utilities and provide financial benefits to nearby residents. He also announced a federal Super Intelligence Force to help maintain America’s technological leadership.
The Associated Press reported that voters overwhelmingly supported local restrictions on data centers, underscoring the political challenges facing the administration’s AI expansion plans. Trump’s latest comments indicate that he intends to continue backing the development of advanced AI and the infrastructure that supports it, despite growing resistance from communities and local leaders concerned about its economic and environmental costs.