President Trump criticised opposition to data centres in Texas, calling it a “mistake” and arguing that the United States must expand AI infrastructure to compete with China. His comments highlight a growing political dispute between the economic and strategic case for data-centre construction and local concerns about their effects on energy, water and communities.

In an interview with Punchbowl News, Trump said he had seen Texas becoming “against data centres” and warned that America could not allow China to surpass it in the sector. The remarks came shortly after Republican Governor Greg Abbott faced pressure over data-centre development, amid wider resistance to projects that require large amounts of electricity and land.