Trump says AI data centres should pay ‘dividends’ in pre-midterm shift | Donald Trump News
Trump Advocates for AI Data Centers Amid Republican Opposition
Published October 21, 2026
President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, suggesting that they should provide financial benefits—referred to as “dividends”—to local communities. His comments come as the midterm elections approach, amidst increasing dissent from Republican candidates regarding the projects.
In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump proposed that companies could enhance the popularity of their data centers by compensating local residents. “If companies want to make their Data Centers popular, pay the community and/or individuals within the community a ‘dividend,’” he stated.
Trump’s advocacy for data centers has been juxtaposed with concerns over their significant water and energy consumption. Polls indicate a growing public disapproval of these facilities, with a recent Gallup survey showing that 71 percent of Americans oppose establishing AI data centers in their areas. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted this week revealed a similar sentiment, with 72 percent of respondents against new data center constructions.
The president’s comments arrive after a previous affirmation of his support for data centers, a position that may prove politically precarious for Republicans as they face record low approval ratings. Several Republican Senate candidates, including Ken Paxton of Texas, Mike Rogers of Michigan, and John Husted of Ohio, have shifted their views to call for stricter regulations and oversight of data centers, marking a notable reversal from prior stances.
During a recent debate in Iowa, Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson argued that the decision to establish AI data centers should be left to local authorities.
Despite the emerging Republican opposition, Trump has vigorously defended data centers, condemning what he called the “anti-Data Center movement” and claiming it benefits competitor nations. In his earlier remarks, he emphasized the importance of data centers for community growth, stating, “If they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign.”
The Trump administration has pursued various initiatives to promote data center development, including an executive order issued last year aimed at expediting permitting and environmental evaluations. This order involved using federal land to facilitate the “expeditious” establishment of data centers. Additionally, Trump has endorsed a voluntary agreement among AI firms to cover the full cost of electricity consumed by data centers, though he has refrained from endorsing legally binding federal regulations.
As the midterm elections draw near, the conflict over data centers continues to elicit divided opinions both among politicians and the public.
