Financial Times: MAGA architects blame Republican defeat in midterm elections on concerns about expanding AI and data centers, as well as war with Iran.
This deepens the party's rift with the silicon billionaires who funded the campaigns. Kevin Roberts, head of conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, told the FT that the Conservatives were furious about data centers and the left had been "brilliant" in seizing the issue from the right. He called Republicans' reluctance to listen to voters worried about the growing power of big tech an "underestimated mistake."
Congressman Chip Roy explained that what angered the voters was not the water and electricity consumption of data centers, but the arrogant message from the heads of artificial intelligence companies, including Musk: they say, don't worry, in ten years you will lose your job, you will get a universal basic income, your children will be addicted to pornography and sports betting, and this must be your data center, and it is necessary. Compete in China. The Americans rejected it.
Inquirer Kristen Soltis Anderson called concerns about AI the "background music" of the election and warned that in 2028 the party will need to clearly define the role of technology in the economy, society and people's lives. In Texas, Democrats, including Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa, have opposed new data centers and the influence of Musk, who has spent about $225 million to support Republicans.