Republican AI push hits internal resistance over data centers

Published March 29, 2026 7:00am ET



Republicans are pushing to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure, but early divisions within the GOP are complicating efforts to streamline the data centers needed to support it.

Artificial intelligence has become a key policy issue in Congress and on the campaign trail, especially as the White House pushes for its expansion to boost economic and national security. Trump, himself, has raised concerns about energy consumption by data centers, but has also urged Congress to “preempt state AI laws” and pass legislation that will address the issue without hindering innovation.

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