From WIRED · Molly Taft · · 2m
Trump versus MAGA on data centers
The former president backs AI infrastructure while his own base revolts, creating a rare rift in Republican ranks.
In brief
The former president backs AI infrastructure while his own base revolts, creating a rare rift in Republican ranks. Trump's strong support for data centers puts him at odds with conservative voters and GOP strategists who see the issue as politically toxic. Originally reported by WIRED.
Conservative activist breaks with Trump
Molly McCann Sanders, a pro-life Catholic and Trump supporter from Texas, says she loves the former president but thinks he's wrong about data centers. She worries they bring pollution and government overreach.
“I'm alarmed by the idea that these data centers can move in and pollute.”
Most Americans oppose data centers
A New York Times poll found that 60 percent of Americans, including 47 percent of Republicans, oppose data center construction. GOP strategists warn that supporting more AI data centers is a losing political position.
Trump doubles down on data centers
Trump has repeatedly defended AI data centers on Truth Social, claiming that communities refusing them want to be "backwards and poor." He's facing mounting scrutiny over his pro-industry stance.
“only communities that wanted to be "backwards and poor" would refuse data centers”
MAGA base pushes back online
When Trump posted about data centers on Truth Social, anti-data-center comments from MAGA accounts outnumbered positive ones by four to one, according to a New York Times analysis.
China competition drives Trump's stance
Trump believes restricting data centers means restricting computing power, which would let China win the tech race. Tech accelerationists and White House allies publicly echo this national security argument.
GOP candidates split from Trump
Some Republican candidates are ignoring White House cues. Wisconsin gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany, despite Trump's endorsement, has attacked his Democratic opponent for pro-data-center views.
Voters haven't decided the issue
AI and data centers rank far down voters' priority lists, and nearly 20 percent say they don't know which party would handle the issue better. The political outcome remains uncertain.
Backlash takes creative forms
A plush toy called Bezzy, shaped like a server with a smiley face, emits the actual droning noise of data centers when squeezed. It's part of a larger awareness campaign about data center expansion.
The big picture
Trump's strong support for data centers puts him at odds with conservative voters and GOP strategists who see the issue as politically toxic.
