Senator Fetterman Aligns with Trump on Data Center Expansion Amid Broad Opposition

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to argue that communities rejecting data centers risk remaining "backwards and poor," and urged support for the industry. In response, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania posted a short endorsement on X, adding that the United States must win the AI supremacy race with China. He acknowledged the political risk of aligning with Trump and data center advocates, noting that such a position is damaging for a Democrat.

Polling indicates only 30 percent of the public would back a data center in their area, while opposition runs high among both parties. Congressman Chris Deluzio, also from Pennsylvania, condemned Trump’s comments, saying they ignore legitimate worries about AI, utility costs, union jobs, and water resources. Opposition to data centers stems from environmental, economic, and labor concerns raised by local residents across several states.