Trump Defends AI Data Centers as Republicans Face Backlash

President Donald Trump criticized communities that oppose new AI data centers, arguing that they could miss out on jobs, lower taxes, and economic growth. His comments came as Republicans worry the issue could affect voter sentiment ahead of the November midterm elections. The debate has become politically sensitive in Ohio, where the National Republican Senatorial Committee said opposition to data centers could hurt Republican Sen. Jon Husted in his special election against Democrat Sherrod Brown. The committee said private polling shows the race is tight and that data centers have become a major campaign issue. Public resistance to data centers has grown as residents raise concerns about electricity demand, water use, and other local impacts. A Gallup survey earlier this year found broad opposition to new AI data centers in local areas, while a Wolfe Research report said pushback has intensified across party lines.