Trump Unveils $500B Stargate AI Project Backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank

The initiative aims to build massive U.S. data centers for AI, but concerns over energy demands, job creation, and economic impact persist.

The Stargate Project, announced by President Trump, involves a $500 billion investment to construct AI-focused data centers across the U.S., with $100 billion allocated for 2025.
The first Stargate data center is under construction in Abilene, Texas, with two buildings costing over $1.1 billion and expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Critics question the project's economic benefits, noting that the Abilene site will employ only 57 full-time workers while receiving significant local tax breaks.
Energy experts warn of potential strain on the U.S. power grid, calling for investments in clean energy and grid expansion to meet the growing electricity demands of AI infrastructure.
Advocates argue the initiative could secure U.S. leadership in AI and national security, but concerns remain about equitable access to benefits and the concentration of resources among major tech players.