Meta warns new US data centers face tougher approval after midterms

Meta President Dina Powell McCormick said launching new U.S. data center projects will become more difficult after the midterms, citing increased political scrutiny and hostility toward the industry. She expects "a lot more review" of new projects, noting that opposition featured prominently in political ads and exit polling. Expanding existing sites should be easier, as communities have seen benefits over time. Voters in over 30 towns across nine states backed data center curbs, and developers have canceled at least $260 billion in planned U.S. projects. Meta is considering building abroad and plans up to $145 billion in capital spending this year.