Overview
- On Friday, November 6, President Donald Trump posted that he is “100% in favor of Super Intelligence” and vowed to help states that seek to attract AI data centers.
- Voters in the November 4 midterms approved dozens of local ballot measures restricting or pausing new data‑center construction, with Ballotpedia reporting majorities favored limits in roughly 46 of about 50 initiatives.
- The administration has already issued executive orders to fast‑track permitting, limit some state restrictions and direct federal agencies to use the term “Super Intelligence,” and it has set up a Super Intelligence Force to coordinate policy.
- National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said scheduled projects should proceed and that growth will continue in friendly states, a claim that clashes with local votes and raises questions about enforcement and legal reach.
- The fight has political and practical stakes: residents cite strain on water, power and local budgets; reports tie large industry donations to pro‑Trump PACs; and incoming Democratic congressional leaders plan tougher oversight, safety reviews and new energy rules.