Trump floats payments to towns that host big data centers

President Donald Trump says companies that build data centers should pay the surrounding communities a "dividend." In a Truth Social post early Wednesday, he argued that money makes these projects "popular." Data centers are huge buildings full of computers, and many towns are fighting them. The post gave no dollar figures.

What he said

Trump urged companies to "MAKE DEALS." He wrote that he has watched the process closely, and that data centers that were "highly unpopular in a certain area" have become "extremely popular when a financial deal is struck." He did not say how much money should go back to communities or to individual residents.

Why towns are pushing back

Opposition has grown across the US. Critics say data centers are noisy, raise electricity bills and hurt the general quality of living. Data Center Watch, a research project run by 10a Labs, found that at least 75 projects were delayed or canceled in the first quarter of this year because of local opposition. The issue is also becoming important in next month's midterm elections.

Deals already on the table

Some companies have already tried to win over locals with benefits. Two examples from the reporting:

• SpaceX offered eligible Memphis residents 50% off Starlink internet this summer, tied to its AI build-out there.
• NorthPoint Development said it would pay every household in a Pennsylvania township $10,000 if it got permission to build, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Trump also pointed back to the "Ratepayer Protection Pledge." Several tech leaders signed it in March. It says companies must provide or pay for the power their AI projects need, so local electricity prices stay flat.

What is not known

The post is a suggestion, and the material does not describe a rule or a program. It does not say how large a dividend should be, who would receive it, or whether companies will go along. It also does not say how any payments would be enforced.

What to do

If a data center is proposed near you, you may hear offers of cash or discounts. Ask what is promised in writing, who pays for the electricity, and what the project could cost your town over time.