Surprise surprise, AI data centers are still incredibly unpopular across the US — and nearly two-thirds of Americans say they oppose new facilities
- A majority of US voters (61%) now oppose AI data center construction
- Trump voters support construction, but only at 49%, versus 47% opposing
- Polling took place in early September 2026
The majority of US voters have expressed their opposition to further AI data centers, as newly published research by The New York Times and Siena University found 1,503 likely US midterm voters have major concerns over the direction of travel with AI data center construction.
However, the survey found the data center issue is not a priority for most US voters, where economic and foreign policy matters are more prominent.
Reaction to the polling is likely to be minimal, but it appears to underpin the growing discontent with the approval of increasingly expansive data centers. Concerns over the environment (such as wildlife, water use, and impact on nearby communities) dominate the responses to the poll.
The data center question
The...
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