It’s Donald Trump Versus MAGA on Data Centers
A growing segment of the MAGA movement is expressing opposition to the construction of AI data centers, citing environmental and community concerns. Despite this grassroots pushback, Donald Trump continues to advocate for the industry, creating a political rift within the Republican party.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant internal conflict within the GOP regarding the balance between technological advancement and local community interests.
Sanders, the president of the Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, which was started by Phyllis Schlafly, also describes herself as “a crunchy MAHA mom”—and says she’s been paying particular attention to data centers.
“I'm alarmed by the idea that these data centers can move in and pollute,” she tells me. “I'm not a data center expert. I'm not a tech expert. But I’m suspicious and wary, and want to move slowly.”
She loves Trump, “but I think he’s wrong about data centers,” she says. And she sees the GOP’s effort to court what she calls “the laptop class”—young men who are enthusiastic about technology—at the Republican midterm convention earlier this month as a huge misstep with midterms nearing.
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