Key facts
- Nearly 200 activists from the "Make America Healthy Again" movement criticized President Donald Trump's policy promoting coal for AI data centers.
- The activists sent a letter urging the administration to consider renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal.
- Concerns were raised about pollution and the health impact on children.
- The letter was signed by former staffers from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign.
- Trump has previously promoted coal and data centers, highlighting economic benefits and job creation.
Nearly 200 activists associated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement have criticized President Donald Trump's promotion of coal as a power source for artificial intelligence data centers. In a letter sent Friday, the activists urged the administration to prioritize renewable energy options such as solar and geothermal, citing concerns over pollution and its impact on children's health.
The letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press, also calls for transparent review of data center locations and power sourcing decisions, and adherence to existing environmental review requirements. Prominent figures behind the letter include Zen Honeycutt, a former staffer on Kennedy's presidential campaign and founder of Moms Across America, and Charles Eisenstein, another former Kennedy campaign speechwriter. Honeycutt stated that she had sought support from the Kennedy-aligned PAC MAHA Action but received no response.
This criticism highlights a growing tension within the MAHA movement regarding the Trump administration's environmental policies, particularly its embrace of fossil fuels and deregulation. While Trump has championed coal and data centers for their economic benefits and role in the AI race with China, activists argue that these initiatives come at the expense of public health and environmental safety. Some activists have indicated they may prioritize issues over party affiliation in the upcoming elections, underscoring the political stakes of these environmental disagreements.
Trump has consistently advocated for coal, referring to it as "big, beautiful coal," despite environmentalist concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and toxic chemicals. He has also been a strong proponent of data centers, viewing them as crucial for AI development and national security. However, data centers have become a contentious issue, with criticisms focusing on their high electricity consumption, water usage, and air and noise pollution.