Trump Urges Data Centers to Pay Communities a Dividend as States Weigh Moratoriums
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Oct 21
Trump Urges Data Centers to Pay Communities a Dividend as States Weigh Moratoriums
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Oct 21
Summary
Trump said data center operators should strike financial deals with host communities — including a "dividend" for residents — to turn opposition into support and speed construction.
He also said new and large facilities should generate their own electricity and sell excess power back to local grids, arguing that could avoid price increases and even lower local power costs.
The push comes as data centers become a midterm-election flashpoint, with backlash rising over water use, power demand, electricity prices and land needs; several states are considering moratoriums.
Investor pressure has also intensified this week as costly AI infrastructure drives more borrowing, while HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery warned lenders to be selective and scrutinize tenant contracts and pricing.