Artificial intelligence and data-center development are becoming campaign issues ahead of November’s midterms, with debate over electricity costs, regulation and local impacts. President Donald Trump and his administration have embraced the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. Last week, during a meeting with AI CEOs, Trump stated that "there are so many people that want data centers." Trump has also posted AI-generated content on Truth Social, drawing criticism over his use of the technology in political messaging.
As data centers expand and AI evolves, questions over regulation, costs, and the technology’s broader impact remain a source of debate. Newsweek’s AI Policy Scorecard offers a new way to examine the incumbents’ records in this emerging technological space. It rates sitting members of Congress from AI Skeptic to AI Booster using votes and public positions across regulation, energy and data centers, employment, safety and national security.
Newsweek readers have shared their thoughts—here is what they had to say: Want to join The Conversation? Sign up here Original Article: Trump Says Many Americans Want Data Centers—Here’s What Polls Show What To Know: "There are so many people that want data centers," Trump declared during a meeting with AI CEOs. Recent polls however suggest that many Americans are wary of the massive facilities being built to power the technology.
Reader Comment: "Early voting starts [soon] here in Georgia and I will be first in line. Forced data centers, gas prices over $4, no decent healthcare, new wars. I'm done with this Republican Party." christopherfinland Why It Stood Out: This commenter pointed out their dissatisfaction with Republicans, citing concerns over data centers as well as gas prices, healthcare and foreign policy.
Reader Comment: "The president signed an executive order directing federal agencies to stop using the terms 'artificial intelligence and AI,' and to replace them with 'Super Intelligence and SI.' Because he's on top of what's important, right MAGA? Like the price of gas and…you know what else, you just want to keep trying to blame Biden." popisannoyed Why It Stood Out: This reader mocks the administration’s change in terminology and argues that everyday economic concerns deserve greater attention. Reader Comment: "If we don't lead in SI, China will.
Fortunately the President understands this." GigaChadMusk Why It Stood Out: Taking a different approach, this reader argues that U.S. leadership in AI is essential to competing with the likes of China, reflecting the national security argument for continued AI investment. Reader Comment: "NW is treating 'I don’t want a data center near my house' as 'America shouldn’t build data centers.' Those are different questions. One poll found 71 percent oppose a local facility, while 52 percent support building them in remote areas.
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