Pro AI Groups Claim China-Linked Actors Are Behind Push Against Data Centers
The lawmakers cite reports alleging Chinese and Russian state media, along with billionaire-backed groups, are shaping opposition to U.S. data centers.
- On Thursday, three Republican House members urged the FBI and White House to investigate "foreign influence campaigns and" "billionaire-backed activism" slowing U.S. AI development, requesting a briefing by June 18, 2026.
- The AI industry, including investor Kevin O'Leary, claims Chinese-linked actors are fanning opposition to data centers, citing reports that allege "manufactured outrage" from environmental activists.
- Northern Virginia-based activist Elena Schlossberg rejects these claims, calling them "It's lazy and insulting to the communities who are raising real concerns." She insists opposition to industrialization remains organic.
- Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie, along with Reps. John Joyce and Bob Latta, demand the Administration detail "how the Administration is investigating the foreign influence campaigns and taking action to mitigate these efforts...no later than June 18, 2026."
- As the U.S. competes with China for AI supremacy, resistance to data center construction threatens major buildout plans. Leaders worry foreign actors are stoking this backlash, potentially stalling critical infrastructure.
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11 Articles
House Republicans Claim China Is Funding Grassroots Opposition To U.S. Data Centers
House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans say there is “strong evidence” that foreign influence campaigns linked to China are partly fueling growing community opposition to data centers across the United States. Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) led a letter urging the Trump administration to investigate alleged efforts by foreign adversaries to slow American artificial intelligence development by stoking opposition to essential data c…
House Chairmen Seek FBI Briefing on Foreign Influence Claims Targeting AI Data Centers
Three House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders have asked senior White House science advisers and the FBI to brief Congress on allegations that foreign adversaries, including China-linked actors, are trying to slow the buildout of U.S. artificial intelligence data centers. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman John Joyce (R-Pa.), and Energy Subcommittee Chairman …
China fueling U.S. data center resistance, AI groups claim
The AI industry, battling concerns about its impact on jobs and energy costs, is accusing China-linked actors of using social media to fan opposition to the data centers powering America's AI boom.Why it matters: As the U.S. and China race for AI supremacy, resistance to data centers is threatening the industry's massive buildout plans here — and AI leaders believe foreign actors are stoking the backlash.State of play: Pro-AI groups say they've …
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