President Trump is striking out against Democratic leaders blocking the development of data centers. In particular, Trump took aim at New York Governor Kathy Hochul for shutting down data center construction in her state. In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump criticized Hochul’s decision and highlighted the economic development opportunities that would be lost.
“One of the biggest Driving Forces in the Future for Jobs, are Data Centers,” President Trump said. “They are big, strong, bold, and Money Machines for the State in which they are built. Governor Kathy Hochul, for political reasons, has terminated all Data Centers being built, or to be built, in New York State.”
According to the Brookings Institute, there is evidence of significant job creation in communities where data centers are being constructed. Counties where data centers are being built see a 4-5 percent rise in overall private employment over five to six years. Employment gains include an 11% increase in construction jobs and a 22 percent increase in information sector jobs.
Congressional Democrats have also taken a stand against the construction of data centers. Earlier this year, Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y, introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Moratorium Act. The stated purpose of the legislation is to impose a “reasonable pause” on the development of AI data centers until more information is available on economic impact and environmental safety.
Trump pointed out that denying data center construction in certain states would only delay the selection of new locations, and that those states would then reap the benefits in both revenue and job creation.
“These Companies are now being sought in Alabama, Florida, Texas, Arizona and many other States. Both the Taxes and the Jobs amount to LIQUID GOLD!” President Trump said. “New York State has made a terrible decision. All of this Income, and other Benefits, will be going to Red States, and some Blue, where Data Centers are sought as Cash Cows, with Lower Taxes and Record Setting Jobs.”
President Trump addressed concerns about power usage by noting that data centers would be required to fund their own energy needs, resulting in an overall benefit to the communities where they are built. He also noted that his concern that delays in construction could cause the U.S. to fall behind China in data center development.
“They must pay for their own Water and Power, and any leftover goes back to the State and local Community. Data Centers are tremendous WINS for the States and Communities that are lucky enough to get them,” President Trump said. “New York should change its Policy, IMMEDIATELY. The Radical Left Dumocrats must not be allowed to cause us to lose Data Centers, AI, and all of this incredible new Technology, to China, and other countries!”
