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The QTS Atlanta-Metro Data Center located in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., on the 31st (local time). / Reuters Yonhap

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized local public opinion opposing the construction of data centers by artificial intelligence (AI) companies. The AI industry is also launching a public relations campaign to support attracting data centers.

President Trump criticized in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on the 31st (local time), saying, "The only reason communities across the U.S. would not want data centers is that doing so leaves them backward and poor."

He continued, "If you want a life that is successful, rich, low on taxes, and overflowing with jobs everywhere, you must actively embrace data centers."

He emphasized, "Fortunately, there are plenty of places that want data centers," adding, "If you kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, the blame rests solely on you."

He also added, "China welcomes this anti-data center movement," noting, "In fact, they cannot believe this is actually happening."

The issue of data center construction has emerged as one of the key issues in the U.S. midterm elections taking place this November.

President Trump maintains close ties with several tech companies that have provided vast funding for his campaigns and various political goals, taking the stance that AI backed by data centers plays a core role in U.S. economic and military global dominance.

There are more than 4,700 data centers across the U.S., with over 230 located in Ohio alone.

Axios reported on the 31st that Build American AI, a non-profit organization advocating for AI, plans to pour massive funds into the race to attract data centers, investing millions of dollars especially in midterm election swing states.

Holding approximately $50 million in cash, the group plans to campaign in support of data centers starting in Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin by investing in paid advertising, civic engagement, research, media relations, and public education.

Data center advocates expect voters to view construction favorably if the industry covers its own costs, generates local tax revenues, and provides options to local communities.

USA Today reported that stances opposing data center construction are emerging not only among Democratic candidates but also within the Republican Party.

They are conscious of growing public pushback over massive scale, massive energy consumption, noise, and the lack of direct benefits to surrounding areas.

In a poll conducted by U.S. polling agency Gallup from March 2 to 18, about 7 out of 10 Americans opposed building AI data centers in their residential areas, with about 48%, roughly half, strongly opposing it.

The New York Times reported on this, analyzing that it reflects concerns over rapidly changing economic realities and human jobs being replaced by machines.

Citizens cite potential negative environmental impacts from data centers and the possibility of rising utility bills such as electricity and water as reasons for their opposition.

Such public sentiment is also expected to influence the votes of some electorate members in the election. Residents are raising voices of backlash against more than a dozen local governments across the U.S. that approved data center construction.

Some residents are even pursuing recall elections to vote on removing local government officials who support data center construction during their terms.

                                                                                                            Kim Hyun-min