Trump Says Data Center Dividends Can Win Local Support

President Donald Trump said data center companies should provide financial “dividends” to communities hosting major facilities, arguing that payments to local residents can turn controversial projects into popular ones. In an early Wednesday Truth Social post, Trump urged companies to make deals, without specifying the amount, format or legal mechanism for the proposed payments. His comments come as U.S. data center construction faces growing local opposition tied to noise, strain on the power grid, rising electricity bills and quality-of-life concerns. Data Center Watch, a project by 10a Labs, reported at least 75 data center projects were delayed or canceled in the first quarter because of community backlash, a trend some investors are watching closely as public opposition becomes a risk to siting and approvals. Trump also highlighted his earlier push to require technology companies to cover the power costs associated with their data centers, referencing the Ratepayer Protection Pledge signed by several tech leaders in March. Under the pledge, companies committed to providing or paying for the electricity and generation capacity needed for AI infrastructure, helping keep local electricity prices stable. Trump said applying similar dealmaking principles to data centers would be “GREAT FOR THE U.S.A.”