Former President Donald Trump has sparked division within the Republican party with remarks suggesting that communities opposing the construction of data centers will become "backwards and poor."
Trump posted on Truth Social that "The only reason that communities throughout the U.S.A. should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor. If they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign."
The debate over data centers, which are crucial for artificial intelligence development, has become a significant issue in the lead-up to the midterm elections, attracting vocal opposition from both parties. A recent Gallup poll indicated that seven in 10 Americans oppose local data center construction, citing concerns over resource demand (water, power), property values, energy costs, and pollution.
Trump's statement drew immediate criticism from several Republican lawmakers. U.S. Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee responded by saying, "I guess I’m backwards and poor." U.S. Representative Savannah Maddox of Kentucky described Trump's messaging as "concerning," adding that "Rural doesn’t mean ‘backwards and poor’ and development doesn’t always equate to being successful and rich." She also noted that "President Trump wouldn’t be president without the rural voters who inhabit America’s heartland."
U.S. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and former U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia also criticized Trump's remarks. Greene stated on X, "Everyone hates data centers."
Conversely, some Trump supporters defended his stance, with some MAGA adherents promoting theories that the opposition to data centers is an effort by China to undermine the United States in the AI race. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz suggested that "Chinese Communists are investing millions of dollars to try to convince you you hate data centers."