For years, the Republican Party's message on technology was straightforward: cut regulation, unleash private investment and let US businesses build. But as the 2026 midterm elections approach, one unlikely issue is threatening to complicate that formula: data centres.
The enormous facilities needed to power the artificial-intelligence boom have become a political liability for Republican candidates in some of the country’s most competitive races – precisely because US President Donald Trump remains one of their most enthusiastic defenders.
Trump has been unequivocal in his support. In recent comments, he argued that communities resisting data centres are “making a mistake”, and said governors and mayors should want AI facilities because of the jobs, investment and tax revenue they bring.
He has repeatedly framed the expansion of data centres as essential to defeating China in the global AI race – and downplayed the mammoth amount of electrical power needed to run the centres and the impact they have on neighbouring areas.
"They're making their own power plants. They're building the most beautiful, you've never seen power plants like this," Trump said in an interview that aired on Sunday.
