On Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, US President Donald Trump accused China of fueling nationwide resistance against artificial intelligence (AI) data centres in the United States. Speaking to Fox News during a visit to California focused on the economy ahead of the November midterm elections, Trump alleged that China is actively encouraging communities to oppose new AI infrastructure projects.

"A big part of it is China," Trump said, asserting that Beijing is promoting resistance because the US is pulling ahead in the global AI race. He claimed that China is spending significant funds to promote opposition to the construction of these facilities, which he described as a "tremendous thing" bringing substantial economic benefits.

Trump highlighted that many of the new AI plants generate their own electricity and can sell excess power back to the grid at low cost, which helps reduce taxes and boosts nearby property values. He warned communities rejecting such projects that they were "making a big mistake."

The accusations come amid heightened tensions over technological competition between the US and China. Trump’s comments link the opposition to AI data centres to broader geopolitical rivalry.

Sources