Trump says data centers should generate own power and pay community dividends

On October 21, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that new and large data centers must generate their own electricity and give or sell any excess to the local community or grid. He said that could bring "a substantial decrease" in bills and urged companies to pay the community or individuals a "dividend," saying financial deals turn opposition into support. A Fox News July poll found 70% of voters oppose nearby data centers, with 46% support among Trump voters. Gallup found 71% oppose local projects over utility bills. NorthPoint Development offered about 4,500 Pennsylvania households $10,000 each plus $120 million over 15 years in community benefits; the local government rejected it on zoning, prompting a legal dispute. The U.S. has more than 5,000 data centers, set to grow about 9% annually through 2030 per Commerce. Trump said in August that communities without data centers would end up "backwards and poor." JD Vance has said 99% of backlash is where prices rise and builders should create their own power plants. Enforcement was not specified. Coverage draws from one Truth Social post with no left-right split evident.