Gretchen Whitmer faces criticism from Democratic voters for supporting a controversial $16bn datacenter project in rural Michigan.
Gretchen Whitmer is facing a potential political backlash as many Democratic voters express frustration over her support for a massive $16bn datacenter project in Saline Township. While the Michigan governor has championed the facility as a "get-it-done" development, local residents and party members have voiced concerns over its energy demands and environmental impact. Polls indicate a growing divide between party leadership and the electorate. A recent national poll found that 17% of Democrats oppose datacenters, compared to only 9% who support them in their own communities. In Michigan, 64% of Democrats oppose having a datacenter within 25 miles of their homes. This sentiment is echoed by local residents who feel the administration of the project may overlook rising utility costs and water usage. While some Democratic leaders, such as Tony Evers in Wisconsin, have praised the "modern marvels" of new facilities, others are calling for more transparency. The growing public skepticism has led to a coordinated national protest effort by the group HumansFirst, which aims to address the "unaccountable" buildout of AI infrastructure.