Trump Shifts Approach to Data Centers as Political Backlash Grows

President Donald Trump said that companies seeking to win support for data centers should pay the communities they are built in a “dividend”—after previously blasting local opposition to data center projects.

"If companies want to make their Data Centers popular, pay the community, and/or individuals within the community, a ‘dividend,’” Trump said in a Truth Social post early on Wednesday.

"I have watched the process closely, and data centers that were highly unpopular in a certain area, have become extremely popular when a financial deal is struck. MAKE DEALS, and get them built!!!”

Data centers have become a major issue ahead of November's midterm elections, with projects drawing opposition from communities across the country over their electricity and water consumption, impact on energy bills, environmental effects and proximity to residential areas. The opposition has united voters across party lines, and some Republicans have shifted their stance on data centers.

Trump’s latest post comes after he previously argued those opposing data center projects were sacrificing economic growth and jobs.

Areas that reject data centers risk becoming "backwards and poor,” the president wrote on Truth Social in August.

“If they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign. The good news is that there are plenty of other places that want them. If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame.”

This is a developing story. More to follow.