Trump Defends AI Data Centers at Ohio Rally

President Donald Trump defended the expansion of AI data centers at a campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio, arguing that they could bring major economic benefits and that restricting them would push investment and technological advantage to China. His remarks came as data centers have become a contentious campaign issue, with voters raising concerns about electricity costs, farmland and water use; the crowd’s response to his defense was notably subdued. The debate is especially significant in Ohio, where Republican Sen. Jon Husted faces Democrat Sherrod Brown, who has criticized Husted’s role in attracting data centers and the tax breaks offered to technology companies. Trump also backed a proposed measure requiring large electricity users to cover the costs of the power and infrastructure they need, saying he would sign it if it reached his desk.