Kevin O'Leary claims Chinese propaganda is to blame for anti-datacenter backlash, 'hundreds of millions of dollars' being spent to kill US dominance in AI — industry proponents and Trump administration reinforce claims of foreign interference

Kevin O'Leary, along with industry proponents and the Trump administration, claims that Chinese propaganda is fueling the backlash against data centers, with allegations of 'hundreds of millions of dollars' being spent to undermine US dominance in AI. O'Leary asserts that opposition to data centers, like his $100-billion project in Utah, is orchestrated by foreign interference, particularly from China. While some US officials echo these sentiments, no concrete evidence has been provided to support these claims. The debate around data centers also touches on concerns about power consumption, water usage, and job displacement due to automation. Despite differing opinions on the extent of Chinese influence, the overall narrative underscores the ongoing AI arms race between the US and China.