Trump’s pro AI push sparks backlash from parts of his Maga base

In short: President Donald Trump is promoting AI growth and data center building, but some of his most loyal supporters are publicly pushing back.

What's going on

Protests against AI data centers are drawing conservative activists in places like Berkeley County, West Virginia, where a $4 billion data center is planned. A data center is a large building filled with computers that store and process information, like a factory for internet services. Activist Amy Kremer, who helped organize pro Trump efforts in the past, is now urging Republicans to oppose Trump’s current approach and push for more regulation.

Trump has recently criticized people trying to block data center projects, calling them “backwards and poor.” He has also called AI safety fears a “hoax,” even though the report cites polling that shows almost two thirds of Americans share those worries. Trump also rejected efforts to draft a global agreement to limit AI development, calling it a “globalist scheme of control.”

Some prominent figures on the right are dissenting. Steve Bannon has called AI “radioactive” and joined with Senator Bernie Sanders to argue for a pause in AI development. A leaked memo from Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio warned candidates that unqualified support for more AI data centers is a “losing position,” and that campaigns should not dismiss local concerns.

What to watch

Republicans in competitive races are starting to set their own positions on AI. For example, Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers called for slowing AI development and adding stricter safeguards, and Texas candidate Ken Paxton backed rules including limits on rural data center construction. With the midterms approaching and heavy spending on ads about data centers, the political pressure on both parties is likely to grow.

Source: Financial Times