Trump Is Losing Touch With the Public
President Trump is facing criticism for his vocal support of data centers, a stance that puts him at odds with a growing bipartisan consensus against their local development. While politicians from both parties express concerns over the impact of these facilities, Trump continues to champion them as major drivers of jobs and tax revenue.
Why it matters
This highlights a rare disconnect between Trump's populist brand and the specific policy preferences of his base, potentially signaling a shift in political alignment regarding infrastructure and AI development.
As the president spends less time with his base at rallies, his populist instincts are failing him.
Samuel Corum / Sipa / Bloomberg / Getty August 24, 2026, 6:31 PM ET Share Save This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
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