Trump toes line on data centers as more Republicans pump the breaks

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The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 26, 2026

The Hill's Headlines (PM) - August 26, 2026

Republicans’ growing skepticism about data centers is forcing President Trump to balance his steadfast support for the industry with pushback from his party ahead of the midterm elections.

While Trump has doubled down on his support of data centers, the president signaled last week he may give GOP candidates room to oppose the facilities as they become a political lightning rod in the midterms. 

Trump told reporters last week he wants Republican candidates to “do what they want” on data centers, acknowledging “some people feel differently” on the issue after previously criticizing Democrats for pushing back on planned data center projects. 

“If Republicans are against a data center, that’s okay with me,” Trump added. “I’m only saying that if I ran a community … if I was a mayor or if I was a governor in the state, I would want to have the data centers because they bring tremendous income.”

Faced with mounting pressure around the risks of AI and data centers, several high-profile Republicans have abruptly shifted their stance with the midterms just months away. 

Those now advocating for stricter restrictions on data centers include not only state leaders such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) but also Trump-backed Senate candidates like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.).

“I’d say [Trump’s] been fairly consistent in his messaging. What’s been more malleable is everybody else’s opinion,” one Republican strategist told The Hill. 

Mark Weaver, an Ohio-based crisis communications adviser, said he thinks Trump is noticing there is some voter concern about data centers “and that’s why I think his language has been somewhat muted compared to other things he talks about.”

Still, Weaver thinks Trump will “continue to present a balanced approach of supporting them to ensure that the technology race is not won by China.”

Up until the past few months, the Trump administration framed its light-touch, pro-industry approach to AI as a way to ensure the U.S. remains ahead of China in the so-called AI race. 

While competition remains a priority, the administration appeared to tread carefully on its policies as new security risks of AI came into the discussion. 

The president’s balancing act was on full display earlier........

© The Hill