President Trump urges data center firms to pay community dividends

President Donald Trump urged data center companies to negotiate financial arrangements with local communities to gain support for new facilities. In a post on Truth Social, he said operators should pay a "dividend" to communities or individuals and noted that previously unpopular projects have become popular after such deals.

AI infrastructure firm Nebius indicated it is open to discussions about community investment, with Chief Revenue Officer Marc Boroditsky saying a dividend could take the form of tax revenue, education funding, job development or other direct economic benefits. He described the concept as "not crazy to consider."

Industry analysts highlighted growing financial pressures on data center firms as AI infrastructure expands. HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery advised a selective approach, emphasizing the need to assess tenancy agreements and contract pricing. Crusoe CEO Chase Lochmiller noted that energy availability remains a bottleneck and that firms are working with local authorities to secure power and permit approvals.

Trump also suggested that large data centers should generate their own electricity and sell excess power back to the grid or community, potentially affecting local electricity prices. Experts warned that while some centers can act as flexible loads to stabilize grids, the broader AI boom may lead to higher electricity costs.