CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten found something that Republicans and Democrats can agree upon… they’re disdain for data centers.

“There is no debate when it comes to where people stand on AI and data centers, and simply put, it’s electoral poison at this point,” Enten said on Tuesday.

Enten’s advice for political candidates on both sides of the aisle: pause construction on proposed centers before the midterms.

“You see across the board a clear position which is a vast majority of Americans and voters are against building AI data centers,” Enten added. “When it comes to the politics of it, it is very clear, people are against it.”

It seems Texas Governor Greg Abbott had already “gotten the memo” and announced a pause on new data center plans:

New data centers are being paused.

Data centers must disclose their plans to:

✅ pay their own way
✅ provide their own power
✅ reuse their own water
✅ reduce the cost of electricity
✅ & avoid disturbing neighborhoods pic.twitter.com/5T2bzzsoU4

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 8, 2026

The AI industry has pushed back against the demonization of data centers, saying allegations of pollution and wasteful water use are greatly exaggerated and being pushed by self-serving China-linked bad actors.

While China has been pouring billions into its own AI infrastructure and expansion, it may also be funding an equally expensive influence campaign here in the U.S. to oppose the building of data centers — critical to advancing the technology. https://t.co/MEhMyxafzs

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) June 6, 2026

College-educated white women were most opposed to data centers, with a disapproval of 84%, while “MAGA” Republicans were the group most supportive, but still came in at only 46% in favor, according to the Fox poll.

President Trump had previously called data centers potential “Gold Mines” for communities, and delicately pushed back against Abbott’s decision:

President Donald Trump criticized Texas’ recent decision to place a moratorium on data centers in an interview that aired Friday. pic.twitter.com/7WYwwf38qu

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) August 8, 2026

CNBC’s Sara Eisen is also reporting on the unpopular position of the positive economic impacts of data centers.

Counties that build data centers are seeing new housing, higher home values, lower unemployment and more job growth… pic.twitter.com/E6OLtKLLMZ

— Sara Eisen (@SaraEisen) August 11, 2026

Meanwhile, both parties will have to grapple with the currently convoluted information war over how Americans will receive reliable information in the future.

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.