Americans’ views on artificial intelligence data centers appear closely linked to their opinions of President Trump, an outspoken supporter of the technology. Even so, a majority of voters still oppose building more of the facilities, according to a new poll.
The Times/Siena survey of more than 1,500 registered voters found that 61% opposed constructing additional AI data centers in the United States.
Among voters who opposed the projects, 73% said they currently disapprove of Trump’s performance as president.
By comparison, 33% of respondents supported building AI data centers. Half of those supporters said they approved of Trump’s job performance.
Young adults recorded the strongest opposition to AI data center construction. Seventy-three percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 said they opposed building the facilities.
Support was highest among older Americans, with 37% of those backing construction aged 65 or older, according to the poll.
AI data centers have emerged as a divisive issue in the United States as more residents resist large, resource-intensive facilities being built in or near their communities.
Voters cited environmental damage, heavy water use, effects on local communities and broader distrust of artificial intelligence among the leading reasons for opposing new data centers.
Republican and Democratic candidates around the country are increasingly using the issue to criticize their opponents. On Monday, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., attacked his Democratic rival over her past support for AI data centers and connections to artificial intelligence companies.
Despite growing public opposition, Trump has continued to strongly support AI data center development. He has argued that the facilities are essential for keeping the United States ahead of China in the global artificial intelligence race.
Trump has also warned communities that block the projects that they will “end up being backwards and poor.”
