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Trump criticizes local opposition to datacenters as resistance grows nationwide

The US president warned communities against blocking tech infrastructure, while Vice President JD Vance pointed to rising local utility bills as the main driver of public backlash.

Updated Aug 31, 2026 · 19:26 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • US President Donald Trump publicly criticized communities blocking datacenter projects, arguing that rejecting the developments will make local areas 'backwards and poor.'
  • Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that local backlash stems primarily from increased utility and electricity bills, recommending that datacenter operators build power plants and contribute energy to the grid.
  • Data Center Watch reported that grassroots resistance delayed or blocked at least 75 datacenter developments valued at $130 billion in early 2026, while polling indicates 75% of Americans oppose datacenters next to their homes.
  • The debate continues as midterms approach, with environmental groups and local residents raising concerns over water supply, land use, noise, and energy costs.

Key facts

  • President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that communities rejecting datacenter developments risk ending up 'backwards and poor' and warned that opposition harms US competitiveness against China.[The Guardian]
  • Vice President JD Vance stated that an estimated 99% of datacenter backlash arises when projects raise local electricity and utility bills, suggesting companies construct power plants alongside facilities.[The Guardian]
  • Research group Data Center Watch found grassroots opposition blocked or delayed at least 75 datacenter projects worth roughly $130 billion during the first quarter of 2026.[The Guardian]
  • A recent poll cited in reporting showed that 75% of Americans oppose a datacenter built next to their home, including over six in 10 who strongly oppose it.[The Guardian]
  • Local resistance campaigns have successfully stalled or stopped datacenter plans in communities including Monterey Park, California; Prince William County, Virginia; and Wake County, North Carolina.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • The long-term economic and grid-level effects of requiring tech companies to supply their own power generation remain unproven across national markets.[The Guardian]

Sources