Texas — President Donald Trump is weighing in on the growing national fight over data centers, warning that communities that turn the massive developments away risk being left behind economically.
In a social media post Sunday, Trump called data centers a “Golden Goose” and argued they can bring investment, jobs and tax revenue to communities.
“The only reason you wouldn’t want Data Centers is if you want your community to end up being backwards and poor,” Trump wrote.
His comments come as Texas communities are taking dramatically different approaches to the rapid expansion of data centers needed to support artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other digital infrastructure.
Some Texas Cities Are Hitting the Brakes
San Marcos took one of the strongest positions in June, voting to effectively prohibit new data centers within city limits following months of debate over a proposed development and concerns involving water and electricity use.
Fort Worth has begun the process of considering a 90-day moratorium on new data-center development applications while officials develop regulations. The proposed pause is not yet in effect and would not necessarily apply to projects already approved or vested.
San Antonio, which already has numerous data centers, is considering additional restrictions involving zoning, noise, buffers from neighborhoods and sensitive areas, and development over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.
Lewisville has chosen regulation rather than a ban, requiring future data centers to obtain special-use permits and undergo individual review.
Other Communities Are Moving Forward
Elsewhere, Texas cities are welcoming or accommodating the investment.
McGregor approved plans in June for Project Merlin, a roughly 500-acre data-center development proposed by Galaxy near the SpaceX facility.
San Angelo has approved zoning for a potential data center while adopting new regulations addressing water use, wastewater and land-use requirements.
El Paso also continues moving forward with a major data-center development under agreements involving investment, employment and construction requirements.
The Debate Is Bigger Than Texas
Supporters argue data centers can deliver billions of dollars in investment, expand local tax bases and provide infrastructure critical to America’s growing AI industry.
Opponents and some local officials have questioned the enormous electricity demands, water consumption, noise, land use and infrastructure needs associated with the facilities — as well as how many permanent jobs remain after construction is completed.
Trump has separately said data centers should generate their own electricity rather than increase costs for other customers.
The debate is increasingly playing out city by city. Nationally, an Associated Press analysis found local opposition contributed to the delay or cancellation of 75 proposed data-center projects worth about $130 billion during the first three months of 2026.
Texas is now providing examples of nearly every approach: cities banning projects, considering temporary pauses, imposing stricter regulations or actively pursuing the massive investments.