Former President Donald Trump defended data centers supporting artificial-intelligence projects at an Ohio rally held in support of Republican Sen. Jon Husted, positioning the facilities as central to the Republican Party's technology agenda. The comments came as lawmakers and voters from both parties criticized data-center expansion over potential increases in electricity costs and pressure on land and water resources. Market pricing indicated a minor decline in the likelihood that Ohio will enact a statewide data-center moratorium, suggesting Trump's remarks could slow legislative efforts to restrict development. H.B. 646, statements from Governor Mike DeWine and other Ohio politicians, and potential findings or proposals from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Natural Resources are key developments to monitor. Husted's broader campaign record on data centers, a proposed Senate measure requiring large electricity users to bear more infrastructure costs, and his closely watched contest with former Sen. Sherrod Brown remain central to the political debate.