Amy Kremer, a founder of the Tea Party movement, has launched a nationwide campaign called the "Data Center Revolt" to protest the rapid expansion of AI data centers. The campaign, led by Kremer's organization Humans First, argues that technology corporations are imposing these facilities on local communities without adequate resident input and are forcing residents to bear the cost of associated infrastructure.
The "Data Center Revolt" bus tour commenced on September 12 in Austin, Texas, described by Kremer as a focal point for opposition to data center development. The tour is scheduled to travel through the South and up the East Coast, with planned stops in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, before concluding in California's Silicon Valley.
Kremer, who also has a history as a Georgia Republican Party leader, has drawn parallels between the current anti-data center movement and the early days of the Tea Party. She stated that the tour aims to provide a voice for individuals concerned about the proliferation of AI technology and its infrastructure, asserting that "Big Tech is trying to shove their technology, their AI technology, down our throats."
Humans First reports that it represents a network of residents concerned about the pace of AI infrastructure growth. The organization pointed to an instance in Festus, Missouri, where four city council incumbents were unseated in April following their vote to advance a $6 billion data center project. Kremer emphasized that "the people don't have a seat at the table, they don't have a voice in what is being built in their community."
However, Humans First is not advocating for a federal moratorium or blanket bans on data centers. Instead, the group is focused on promoting local transparency and ensuring community representation in decision-making processes related to electricity rates, water usage, land use, and quality of life. Kremer stated, "Communities should have a voice in decisions that affect their electricity rates, water, land and quality of life. We should end secretive NDAs and corporate welfare and make sure ordinary Americans aren’t forced to subsidize some of the wealthiest corporations in the world."
Reports have surfaced questioning the origins and funding of Humans First. An investigation cited public records suggesting the organization was incorporated by individuals who were staff members at the Center for AI Safety (CAIS), a nonprofit that has received funding from Open Philanthropy, an organization associated with Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz. Critics have alleged that Humans First may have been established by the "Effective Altruist (EA) left" to advance a progressive agenda under the guise of a bipartisan movement. Additionally, some local organizers associated with Humans First events have reportedly had left-wing, Green Party, or Democratic affiliations.
Kremer acknowledged the group's initial formation but asserted that Humans First is now an independent conservative organization. She stated, "Humans First today is an independent conservative organization with its own leadership, strategy and agenda. Our positions are determined by our team and our mission, not by CAIS or the individuals involved in the organization’s original formation."
Regarding funding, Kremer confirmed an initial startup loan from CAIS that is being repaid. She added that Humans First does not disclose individual donors and does not receive funding from Open Philanthropy, stating the group "will not accept funding that compromises our independence, dictates our policy positions, advances a foreign influence operation, or conflicts with our America First mission."
Kremer drew comparisons to the challenges faced by the Tea Party movement, stating that "This line of attack is preposterous but not surprising" and accusing the establishment and media of smearing activists to defend corporate interests.
The pushback against data centers occurs as the White House has outlined federal actions to accelerate data center construction, aiming to secure American technological leadership. President Donald Trump's administration has promoted an AI action plan, which includes streamlining permitting processes and encouraging private sector investment.
Kremer expressed support for the goal of American technological dominance over China but raised concerns about U.S. data centers' reliance on components like Chinese lithium batteries and instances of U.S. AI models being supplied to Chinese tech firms listed on the Pentagon's military blacklist. "Pick a lane. You cannot be America first and China funded," Kremer stated.
In March 2026, the White House introduced a "Ratepayer Protection Pledge" to address concerns about infrastructure burdens. This voluntary commitment encourages AI companies, utilities, and data-center developers to assume the costs of electricity generation and infrastructure, preventing these expenses from being passed on to local residents and businesses. By July, over 200 additional entities had joined this commitment.
A White House official stated, "President Trump is cementing American AI dominance over China while ensuring data centers pay for their own power, water, and other utilities. The President’s commonsense approach will beat China, harness this technological boom, and deliver lower costs and new opportunities for working families and small businesses."
Kremer countered that technological advancement, national security, and community protections can coexist. "America absolutely must lead China in AI and advanced technology. But we reject the idea that beating China requires giving Big Tech a blank check or asking American communities to surrender their rights and resources," she said. "We can lead the world in AI while protecting American families, communities, taxpayers and national security."
Kremer called for stricter guidelines on Big Tech to protect consumers, urging Congress to implement "safety mechanisms" and hold corporations accountable. She warned that ignoring the movement would be a mistake.
Further concerns regarding foreign influence have been raised, with a report alleging that nonprofits funded by tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham have been involved in fueling opposition to U.S. AI infrastructure, potentially in coordination with Chinese propaganda narratives. A former speechwriter for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented that discussions about AI safety should not be influenced by geopolitical rivals like China.