Trump says companies should pay 'dividend' to communities to make data centers popular

Local opposition blocked or delayed at least 75 data center projects in the first three months of 2026, according to Data Center Watch. (Envato Elements pic)WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that companies that operate data centers should pay a "dividend" to communities to make the facilities popular, adding that more should be built.Trump has backed the construction of data centers to secure US dominance in artificial intelligence -- though projects have met local opposition in parts of the country, with concerns raised over energy and water use."If companies want to make their Data Centers popular, pay the community, and/or individuals within the community, a 'dividend,'" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform."I have watched the process closely, and Data Centers that were highly unpopular in a certain area, have become extremely popular when a financial deal is struck. MAKE DEALS, and get them built!!!"Local opposition blocked or delayed at least 75 data center projects in the first three months of 2026, according to Data Center Watch, which tracks resistance to the industry.Polls show that cross-party hostility from Americans against data centers, which have become an issue in the Nov 3 midterm election.

Donald Trump has proposed that large data centres should generate their own electricity and sell surplus power. He emphasized the potential for lower electricity prices through this model for local communities and the grid. Companies are encouraged to provide financial benefits to increase acceptance of data centre projects.

Trump has linked the expansion of these centres to competition with China in artificial intelligence.