Trump’s Call to ‘Let Data Reign’ Clashes with Republicans’ Caution

Many Republican candidates are running on pledges to pause new data centers, but the president’s position undermines that message.

Former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers

Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is calling for a one-year pause on new data centers in Michigan. But President Trump is criticizing those opposed to expanding data center development as “backwards and poor.” (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

First it was beef. Then it was new tariffs. Now it’s data centers.

President Donald Trump’s recent policy moves are making life difficult for Republicans, many of whom fear the series of economic positions could cost them control of Congress in November’s midterms.

Trump’s love letter to data centers this week undercut efforts by Republican candidates in battleground states to align themselves with a growing bipartisan backlash against new construction of the resource-intensive projects. His remark that communities that oppose data centers are destined to become “backwards and poor” landed like a thud on Capitol Hill and on the campaign trail.