President tells communities to “let Data Reign” as 70% of Americans reject local AI centers — then JD Vance admits higher utility bills are driving the revolt
President Donald Trump insulted American communities resisting data centers as people choosing to become “backwards and poor,” dismissing a nationwide revolt over electricity costs, water consumption, pollution, and local control.
In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed data centers would produce lower taxes and abundant jobs. He told communities to “let Data Reign,” accused opponents of killing the “Golden Goose,” and claimed China benefits from American resistance.
The public sees the costs Trump ignored. A Gallup survey found that 70% of Americans oppose an AI data center in their area, including 48% who strongly oppose one. Respondents cited excessive water and energy use, pollution, degraded quality of life, higher utility bills, and potential taxpayer costs.
The backlash has crossed party lines and become a midterm issue as state and local leaders warn about overloaded grids and strained water systems.
Rep. Thomas Massie mocked Trump’s demand for unquestioning support, writing, “New directive from the leader: MAGA is required to support all Data Centers, no questions asked.”
Vice President JD Vance then offered a clarification that undercut Trump’s sweeping attack. Forbes reported that Vance acknowledged data centers can raise local utility bills and said operators should add power to the grid rather than drain it.
Trump blamed the citizens. Vance admitted the infrastructure burden. Nick Sortor captured the attempted cleanup in the post below:
