Trump Backs AI Data Centers as Governors Push Back

Trump defends data center expansion amid growing opposition

President Donald Trump defended the nationwide buildout of AI data centers in a Sunday interview, arguing that communities rejecting the facilities are making a strategic error—even as governors from both parties increasingly voice opposition to the infrastructure projects.

In an interview with Michael Cohen that aired Sunday evening, Trump claimed the United States leads China "by a lot" in artificial intelligence development. He said his administration is allowing AI companies to build their own power plants, asserting these facilities won't draw from the existing electrical grid, which he characterized as outdated and "tired."

"Frankly, communities that don't take a data center are making a mistake," Trump said, adding that "plenty of communities" are actively seeking the facilities. He argued the centers will generate jobs and "tremendous tax revenue coming into the towns and cities," claiming that "the smart ones" are calling for construction in their areas.

Last week, while meeting with cryptocurrency industry executives at the White House, the president said he would "absolutely want" a data center in his jurisdiction if he were a mayor or governor.

Republican governor delivers sharp rebuke

Trump's remarks aired shortly after Texas Republican Gov. Gregg Abbott delivered pointed criticism of the AI industry on ABC News Sunday morning. Abbott said the sector "basically dug their own grave for the problem that's been caused for them, and that's why they got the backlash they deserve."

The Texas governor faulted companies for failing to coordinate with state and local governments before pursuing data center projects. Abbott's comments represent the most significant pushback from a prominent Republican leader on the issue and align with positions taken by several Democratic governors.

Why it matters

The clash exposes a widening gap between federal AI policy and state-level concerns about infrastructure strain, energy consumption, and community impact. As AI companies race to build the computing capacity needed for advanced models, they're encountering resistance that crosses party lines—a rare point of bipartisan agreement that could complicate the industry's expansion plans. The tension also highlights how AI infrastructure demands are forcing practical governance questions that abstract debates about AI regulation have largely avoided.

These details were first reported by Forbes, with Siladitya Ray covering the story.