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Trump backs data centers despite populist backlash, White House official says

Created at 2 Sep · 10:21 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Despite a growing populist backlash against data centers, Donald Trump remains a supporter, according to a senior White House official. Trump believes Republican candidates can take a skeptical stance on the issue without crossing a red line.

Key Numbers

34 percentTrump voter support for data centers in July
45 percentTrump voter support for data centers six months prior

Who's Involved

Donald Trump
President who supports data centers despite populist backlash
Steve Bannon
Former White House chief strategist, views data centers as a populist wedge issue

↳ Why This Matters

The stance of Donald Trump and the populist right on data centers could influence policy and public opinion, potentially impacting the growth and regulation of the technology infrastructure sector.

Key facts

  • Donald Trump continues to support data centers despite a growing populist backlash.
  • A senior White House official indicated that Trump does not view a skeptical stance on data centers as a political red line for Republican candidates.
  • Steve Bannon characterized the data center issue as a divisive topic for the populist right.
  • Polling data shows a decline in support for data centers among Trump voters.
  • A data center executive expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a national strategy from Trump to address industry concerns.

Despite a growing populist backlash against data centers, Donald Trump remains a supporter of the industry, according to a senior White House official. The official stated that Trump does not believe Republican candidates are crossing a political red line by adopting a more skeptical position on the issue.

Trump is reportedly vocal about his stance, viewing data centers as a significant topic of conversation relevant to the upcoming midterms. One person close to the White House described his feelings as "very sincere" and not merely a "reflexive populist thing to do," noting that he has "seen the polling."

However, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon suggested the data center controversy serves as a "wedge issue for the populist right," arguing it is "far deeper than electrical bills" and relates to "Broligarchs" who have "overplayed their hand."

Bolstering Bannon's assertion, a POLITICO Poll from July indicated that support for data centers among those who voted for Trump in 2024 fell from 45 percent to 34 percent in just six months. Data center industry executives have also expressed dissatisfaction, with one noting Trump has failed to present a "well thought-out plan at the national level" to address the backlash, suggesting that without significant economic incentives, opposition is likely to worsen.

Frequently asked questions

The concern appears to extend beyond electrical bills to broader issues of perceived overreach by industry figures, sometimes referred to as 'Broligarchs'.

The poll showed a decline in support for data centers among Trump voters, dropping from 45% to 34% in a six-month period.

No, at least one executive expressed disappointment with Trump's lack of a national plan and suggested the backlash could worsen without economic incentives.

What Happens Next

01Further polling data on data center support among voters will be monitored.
02Potential policy proposals regarding data centers may emerge from political campaigns.

How It Developed

Donald Trump supports data centers despite a populist backlash.
A senior White House official stated Trump does not believe Republican candidates are crossing a red line by adopting a skeptical position on data centers.
Trump is vocal about his stance, viewing data centers as a significant topic of conversation for the midterms.
Steve Bannon described the data center controversy as a wedge issue for the populist right.
A POLITICO Poll from July indicated support for data centers among 2024 Trump voters fell from 45% to 34% in six months.
A data center executive criticized Trump for lacking a national plan to address the backlash.

Sources

T1
Trump’s seen the data center polling – and he still supports themPolitico

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