President Donald Trump defended the expansion of AI data centers on Monday, arguing that opposition risks economic stagnation. Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene mocked the position, suggesting it could harm Republican midterm prospects.

Trump Defends AI Data Centers as Backlash Grows

In a Truth Social post, Trump argued that communities opposing data centers risk becoming backward and poor. He stated that embracing these facilities could bring jobs, investment, and lower taxes.

"If they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign," Trump wrote. He warned that blocking projects could benefit China, adding that the country "could not be happier" about the growing anti-data-center movement.

Trump further cautioned: "If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame."

Marjorie Taylor Greene Fires Back at Trump

Greene criticized the president’s argument, noting that Americans are increasingly attending local government meetings to oppose data-center projects. She accused the facilities of consuming land and water, creating noise pollution, and producing relatively few permanent jobs after construction.

"If Trump wants data centers build them on all his golf courses and country clubs and right in the backyard at Mar-a-Lago!!" Greene wrote on X.

She concluded with a warning: "Good luck winning the midterms now."

Data Center Backlash Becomes Bipartisan

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) rejected Trump’s characterization of opponents. He argued they want a better future for their communities and are concerned about energy use, privacy, jobs, children’s mental health, and the broader impact of AI.

"No, Mr. President, the 75% of Americans who oppose data centers in their communities do not want to be ‘backwards and poor,’" Sanders wrote. "They have every right to be concerned."

Meanwhile, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) agreed with Trump’s pro-data-center stance. He said the U.S. must "win the war for AI supremacy over China." Fetterman noted that misinformation fuels the anti-argument, stating, "There’s nothing more damaging to a Democrat than agreeing with Trump AND data centers—but what’s right is right."

CNBC’s Jim Cramer warned that companies could move projects to Mexico if the U.S. makes development too difficult. He highlighted Queretaro, where Amazon is building a facility, as a potential beneficiary.

Data Center Backlash Grows Nationwide

Public opposition remains high. A Gallup survey found 71% of Americans oppose building an AI data center in their area, with 48% strongly opposed. Concerns include electricity costs, water consumption, land use, and environmental impacts.

Texas has ordered an audit of data centers, while New York has paused certain large projects amid grid concerns. According to Statista, the U.S. had 4,423 data centers as of April 14, 2026, the highest number worldwide. The U.K. followed with 555 facilities, while Germany had 523.

Trump has stated he is reviewing the US position on the Falkland Islands, noting: "I always review positions, and that's one of them."

Statement in context

The remarks were made by Trump, who confirmed the Falkland Islands is among the positions under his review. No further details regarding the scope, timeline, or outcome of the review were provided in the statement.