Conservative organization plans nationwide protest against AI data centers on July 18

Conservative Organization Mobilizes Against AI Data Center Expansion

A conservative organization called Humans First is planning a nationwide protest against what it describes as the unchecked and unwanted expansion of AI data centers, scheduled for July 18 1

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. The Republican-aligned group has announced rallies in at least 13 locations across Georgia, California, Texas, Florida, and Virginia, aiming to give grassroots Americans, particularly conservative grassroots supporters, a voice in the debate over AI data center policies 2

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Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First and a prominent Tea Party figure from 2009, is leading the effort. "I was one of the earliest leaders of the Tea Party movement in 2009, and I can tell you that the disconnect between the elites and the base that gave rise to the Tea Party movement can be seen today in the battle over AI data centers," Kremer said in a statement 1

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. Kremer, who also helped organize the rally preceding the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, claims that Washington elites are doing the bidding of big tech billionaires while ignoring the conservative base 1

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Growing Concerns Over Data Center Impact

The protest website lists multiple concerns about AI data centers, including secrecy, water use, air pollution, national security threats, energy consumption, land use, and noise 1

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. These issues have fueled bipartisan discontent across the United States, with grassroots movements successfully delaying and cancelling over $130 billion worth of data center buildouts 2

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Kremer led a letter signed by conservative leaders last month pushing for a stricter AI policy, marking an escalating campaign against data center expansion 1

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. The group maintains that data centers have become the top issue igniting anger among the conservative base, creating tension between local communities and federal policymakers who support U.S. advancements in AI technology 1

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Republican Division and Foreign Influence Claims

The opposition movement has created a rift within Republican ranks. Earlier in June, several high-ranking Republican officials backed by fossil fuel and cryptocurrency advocacy groups sent an open letter calling on FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate potential foreign influence campaigns targeting AI development in the U.S. 2

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. The letter claimed Chinese propaganda was being funneled into environmental groups to hijack MAGA supporters and pass legislation opposing data center construction 2

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OpenAI later confirmed it had deleted accounts associated with Chinese social media influence campaigns, though the company stated these campaigns failed to gain traction 2

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. The wave of Republican opposition is likely to create tension with President Trump's support base, as many back his fossil fuel energy production plans but oppose rapid data center expansion and growing negative sentiment around AI 2

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Potential for Bipartisan Opposition

While Humans First is primarily focused on rallying conservative Americans, the group told Axios that the rallies are open to anyone wishing to oppose data centers 2

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. Many local groups opposing data centers have been bipartisan and largely working class, with notable efforts coming from both Democrat and Republican representatives 2

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. This suggests liberals and conservatives who are against data centers could find common cause on the issue 1

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, potentially creating a broader coalition that transcends traditional political divides and forces Washington policymakers to balance AI advancement with local community concerns.