Former President Donald Trump has fiercely criticized opponents of new AI data centers, accusing them of wanting a “backwards and poor” America. This surprising development comes as backlash against the substantial energy consumption of these facilities is emerging as a key issue in the upcoming November US midterm elections. The controversy highlights growing concerns about the environmental impact and strain on power grids caused by the rapid expansion of AI technology. Trump framed the debate as a choice between embracing progress and falling behind, characterizing dissent as detrimental to national prosperity. His comments suggest a rising political focus on the societal costs and benefits of artificial intelligence. The debate is playing out locally, impacting several key races and potentially influencing voter decisions this fall.