Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) rejected House Speaker Mike Johnson’s claim that opposition to AI data centers reflects a Chinese psychological operation, saying 75% of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, have legitimate concerns about higher electricity bills, environmental damage and AI’s risks. Johnson made the claim during a Fox News interview, while Sanders’ post was dated September 29, 2026. The dispute follows House Republicans Jason Smith (R-MO) and John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) asking Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and IRS CEO Frank Bisignano to investigate whether China-linked funding supports U.S. tax-exempt organizations opposing data-center construction. The lawmakers cited allegations involving American technology executive Neville Roy Singham, who lives in Shanghai, while acknowledging that concerns over electricity costs and water use can be legitimate. The broader debate includes Bill Gates’ warning about potentially severe AI-related problems, including a cyberattack; criticism from Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that the Ratepayer Protection Act is optional and toothless despite its 417-3 House passage; and Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s warnings about utility costs, water resources and environmental effects. The controversy highlights the infrastructure and community trade-offs surrounding AI expansion, including demand for electricity, land, grid connections, water and regulatory approvals.