Americans Embrace AI While Resisting the Data Centers That Power It

Americans are increasingly using artificial intelligence while expressing strong opposition to the data centers needed to power it.

An AI data center illustrates the infrastructure behind the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence as communities across the US debate its environmental and economic costs.

More than half of Americans used an AI chatbot in July, according to new data from Morning Consult, and usage is becoming more frequent, with more people using AI chatbots several times a week. Yet 70% of Americans oppose constructing AI data centers in their communities, according to a Gallup poll conducted in March and April.

The disconnect is emerging as a political challenge surrounding the AI boom, particularly as politicians from both parties navigate growing concerns about the environmental and economic effects of data centers ahead of the midterm elections.

Data centers have become controversial because of concerns over their electricity and water consumption, noise, environmental impact and effects on local communities.

Gallup found that 71% of Americans opposed having a data center built in their local area, while only 29% favored such development.

Concerns about the strain data centers could place on water and electricity supplies were among the leading reasons for opposition.

The issue is particularly complicated for President Donald Trump, who has strongly supported data-center development and argued that communities should welcome the facilities because of the jobs and economic benefits they can bring.

Trump recently warned that communities resisting data-center construction risked becoming "backwards and poor," saying that rejecting the projects could mean missing out on economic opportunities.

But the White House is also aware of the political difficulties surrounding data centers.

A senior White House official, granted anonymity to speak candidly, told Politico that Trump sees polling on the issue and has been told directly that public opinion remains a problem.

"He looks at the polling. He looks at what people are saying," the official said. "Polling isn't necessarily great on data centers, but it's incumbent upon us to explain our position."

The tension reflects a broader challenge for the technology industry: Americans may find AI increasingly useful while remaining skeptical of the infrastructure, companies and environmental costs associated with its rapid expansion.