'You can't fight it': Trump urges communities to embrace data centers, claims China funds propaganda

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, July 23, urged communities to support the expansion of data centers across the United States, arguing that resisting the projects would leave the country behind in the global artificial intelligence race.

The remarks came as the White House expanded its voluntary Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which calls on developers to cover the costs of the power and infrastructure they use. Trump also claimed China was funding propaganda campaigns aimed at discouraging US communities from supporting new data center projects.

Trump urges communities to embrace data centers amid AI race

Speaking at the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters, Trump defended the role of data centers in supporting innovation and economic growth. "Tremendous amount of money. They're really spending a tremendous amount of money," Trump said, referring to investments by technology companies.

He argued that communities should be informed about the economic benefits associated with the facilities, including jobs and local investment. 

"I think it's important that we tell the local communities that, because other nations are trying to get us to slow down, and they're spending a lot of money on propaganda, on press, PR, trying to convince everybody that this isn't a positive thing."

Trump specifically pointed to China as a competitor in the race, suggesting foreign governments would benefit if the United States slowed data center construction.

"And if we don't do this, we're going to be left behind," he said.

The president added that communities welcoming data centers stand to gain economically.

"You have some communities that really want the data centers, and frankly, those are the smart communities because it means tremendous numbers of jobs, very little actual disruption."

Trump also urged local leaders not to resist the projects.

"You have to convince your community how great these things. You can't fight it. You have to go with it." 

White House expands Ratepayer Protection Pledge

The White House simultaneously announced an expansion of its voluntary Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which now includes 27 data center developers, 55 utility companies, 105 electric cooperatives, and 23 Republican governors.

The initiative, first introduced earlier this year, asks developers to either provide their own electricity or pay for the additional power generation and transmission infrastructure needed to support new facilities. It also encourages companies to invest in surrounding communities and make backup power available during emergencies where feasible.

According to the administration, the expanded pledge now covers utilities responsible for delivering electricity to roughly 80% of US homes and businesses.

The announcement comes as electricity demand continues to rise alongside AI investment and rapid data center construction. Critics from across the political spectrum have questioned the effectiveness of the voluntary agreement, arguing it lacks enforcement mechanisms.

Speaking during the event, Trump said, "We're here today to continue the incredible progress we're making in communities nationwide to ensure that as new data centers go up... electricity bills for American families will actually come down."

Travis Fisher, director of energy and environmental policy studies at the Cato Institute, said disputes over which infrastructure costs should be assigned to developers would remain difficult even with the pledge in place. Climate advocacy groups also argued the agreement does not contain binding requirements that would guarantee lower electricity prices for consumers.