President Trump declared Monday that U.S. communities should embrace data centers to avoid becoming “backwards and poor.” He warned that rejecting such infrastructure would leave residents solely responsible for consequences, adding that China “could not be happier” with growing opposition to the movement.

Recent polling shows heightened resistance among Americans to local data center projects. A majority oppose AI-driven facilities in their communities, with significant opposition across political lines. Environmental concerns remain central, as medium-sized centers consume up to 110 million gallons of water annually for cooling—a figure equivalent to roughly 1,000 households.

Trump’s ratepayer protection pledge has seen corporate commitments to fund energy infrastructure costs associated with data center expansion. However, public skepticism continues to rise as project delays and restrictions multiply nationwide. Over 500 localities have stalled development, while more than 75 projects valued at $130 billion were halted in early 2026 alone.

The backlash has prompted regulatory actions including New York’s statewide moratorium and similar proposals across multiple states. Concerns about electricity costs now drive nearly two-thirds of Americans to oppose new facilities near their homes.