WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has urged companies operating data centres to pay a financial “dividend” to local communities, arguing that sharing the economic benefits could help win public support for new facilities.
Trump has backed the expansion of data centres to secure US dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), but several projects have faced local opposition over concerns about their electricity consumption and water use.
“If companies want to make their Data Centers popular, pay the community and/or individuals within the community a ‘dividend’,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday.
As the President of the United States, I have been watching Data Centers very closely, and have come to a very strong conclusion. New and large, in some cases gigantic, Data enters are mandated by me to make their own electricity, and give or sell any excess back to the local community, or grid, and therefore there is electric price increase. In fact, there could be a substantial decrease. Other elements likewise! If companies want to make their Data Centers popular, pay the community, and/or individuals within the community, a “dividend.” I have watched the process closely, and Data Centers that were highly unpopular in a certain area, have become extremely popular when a financial deal is struck. MAKE DEALS, and get them built!!! GREAT FOR THE U.S.A. President DJT
( TS: Oct 21 2026, 1:37 AM ET )
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) October 21, 2026
He said he had observed that data centre projects which were initially unpopular had gained public support after companies reached financial agreements with local communities.
“MAKE DEALS, and get them built!!!” he added. Opposition to data centre developments has intensified across parts of the United States, with local concerns over the environmental impact and pressure on electricity and water supplies delaying or derailing projects.
READ ALSO: Trump Announces $8 Billion Aid for US Farmers
According to Data Centre Watch, an organisation that tracks opposition to the industry, local resistance blocked or delayed at least 75 data centre projects during the first three months of 2026.
Data centres have also emerged as an issue in the run-up to the November 3 US midterm elections, with polling indicating opposition among Americans across party lines.
Trump’s remarks highlight the challenge facing the administration as it seeks to expand the infrastructure required to support the rapid growth of artificial intelligence while addressing concerns among communities hosting the facilities.
