Sen. Cotton Alleges Chinese Influence Behind U.S. Data Center Backlash, Demands DOJ Probe

Senate intelligence chairman seeks federal probe of Chinese AI-related influence operation

China is engaged in a covert influence campaign to prevent the development of U.S. data centers needed for artificial-intelligence capabilities, according to the chairman of Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Sen. Cotton Alleges Chinese Influence Behind U.S. Data Center Backlash, Demands DOJ Probe

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2026 – Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., questioned whether the domestic data center backlash is really home grown in America. Cotton asked the Department of Justice to investigate foreign influence efforts targeting American AI infrastructure in a June 10 letter addressed to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. See Breakfast Club Membership Options! See Breakfast Club Membership Options The senator suggested that “a network of fo…