Yesterday, Donald Trump made his feelings about data centers as clear as possible. Taking to Truth Social, he said the “only reason” communities oppose data centers being constructed in or near their towns is “if they want to end up being backwards and poor.”
Trump continued: “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.”
He wrapped up by saying that “China could not be happier with this anti Data Center movement”, insinuating that they must be overjoyed that Americans are pushing back against the imposition of gigantic, noisy buildings that use vast amounts of water and electricity.
“You have lost your mind”
Trump’s message hasn’t been received well by the Republican voters in these “backwards and poor” communities, where data center construction is a focal point for anger as campaigning steps up for the crucial November midterms.
The comments on Trump’s post show how some of Trump’s fiercest supporters have broken with him on this. One said, “I don’t know who is telling you this garbage but please visit some communities that have been ravaged by data centers”, another, “This statement is insane. I’m already on a water restriction”, and one tells Trump, “You are not getting the full picture about what’s happening.”
One said: “Love you DJT, but if you are concerned about the windmills destroying birds & the constant humming, then you need to go visit a neighborhood with a data center right beside it. In Florida, especially, where our aquifer is so fragile & water is so expensive, data centers are a real threat. And I’m MAGA!!”
Those are the more polite responses. Some appear to have reached breaking point with Trump, saying, variously, “I regret ever supporting you”, “You’re an idiot”, “You have lost your mind”, and telling him if he likes data centers so much he should “put them on your golf course.”
Republican strategists are already feeling downbeat about the November midterms, with current projections raising the possibility of Democrats taking both the House and the Senate. If Trump keeps slamming his voter base as “backwards,” that won’t be good for either down-ticket Republicans or for his sagging presidential approval ratings, which are currently at a record low.
Published: Sep 1, 2026 06:26 am