Trump Calls for Data Centers to Pay Residents Dividends and Generate Their Own Power

US President Donald Trump has suggested that data center companies should pay financial dividends to local communities to win support for new facilities. He also wants large data centers to generate their own electricity rather than rely entirely on local power grids.

In an October 21 Truth Social post, Trump argued that financial agreements between developers and residents could help turn opposition into support for new data center projects.

However, he did not specify how companies would distribute these payments, how much residents could receive, or whether the government would introduce mandatory requirements.

Trump wants data centers to generate their own electricity

Trump also called for new large data centers to generate their own power and supply or sell surplus electricity to nearby communities or the grid.

He argued that this approach could prevent data center development from increasing household electricity costs and potentially help lower energy prices.

Earlier this year, Microsoft said its AI data center expansion would not raise household electricity bills.

However, electricity demand remains a major concern for data center developers. Recently, Microsoft dropped a UK AI data center project over power supply shortages.

In March 2026, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI signed the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge.

The agreement commits participating companies to covering the costs of new energy generation and infrastructure needed for their data centers rather than passing those expenses to households.

Will local residents receive data center dividends?

Trump encouraged data center operators to negotiate financial agreements directly with communities, suggesting that payments could make residents more willing to accept new developments.

However, the administration has not announced a nationwide dividend program, payment amounts, or an implementation timeline.

It also remains unclear whether Trump’s proposal will become a formal requirement or simply serve as guidance for companies seeking approval for new facilities.

Local opposition continues to challenge data center expansion. For example, Microsoft is pushing ahead with its Slough data center despite opposition from nearby residents.

Via Neowin