President Donald Trump criticized communities opposing new data centers, arguing that such opposition could lead to economic decline. His remarks come amid a warning from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) about the negative perception of data centers among voters, particularly in Ohio, where Republican Senator Jon Husted is in a tight race against Democrat Sherrod Brown.
A Gallup survey indicated that 70% of Americans oppose local data center construction, with nearly half strongly against it. Wolfe Research noted a dramatic 60-point drop in support for data centers over the past year, raising concerns among investors about the potential political ramifications.
The NRSC's memo emphasized that the negative sentiment surrounding data centers is a significant issue for Husted's campaign, as Brown has made opposition to these facilities a focal point of his strategy. If Husted loses, it could deter future political support for data centers nationwide, impacting the broader market for AI infrastructure