Politicians on both sides of the aisle were eagerly rolling out the red carpet for AI data centers, promising tech‑driven economic booms. Today, that red carpet is rapidly being pulled back as anger over AI spreads across the political spectrum.

Key figures such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro are halting approvals or tightening oversight, turning what was once celebrated as a crowning economic achievement into a potent political liability. Their moves echo concerns about AI’s societal impact.

The collapse of a Donald Trump Jr.‑backed MAGA marketplace underscores the volatility that surrounds tech ventures, adding pressure on lawmakers to scrutinize AI infrastructure more closely.

Our reporters examine how this backlash is reshaping campaigns and creating a new crisis for the companies racing to build the infrastructure behind AI. The shift signals a broader reevaluation of the role of data centers in the economy.