President Trump is trying to preserve his support for data centers while allowing Republican candidates to oppose them as the facilities become a political flashpoint ahead of the midterm elections. Trump said Republican candidates should "do what they want" on data centers and acknowledged that "some people feel differently," while arguing that the facilities generate "tremendous income" for communities. Several prominent Republicans, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), have shifted toward tighter restrictions. The debate reflects broader public concern about artificial intelligence and its effects on the environment, labor market and utility costs. A Pew Research Center poll found that 52 percent of Americans are more concerned than excited about increased AI use in daily life, up from 37 percent in 2021. Trump continues to argue that domestic data centers help the United States compete with China, but strategists say Republicans are responding to local backlash and growing anxiety about AI-related security and economic risks.