US voter backlash over data centres signals risks for Australia's AI plans

US voters punished Republican candidates in the midterm elections, with 56% citing AI data centres as a key factor, as backlash over energy costs and environmental impacts drove a Democratic sweep. The Trump administration promoted data centre expansion as vital to US AI leadership, but local opposition grew amid rising electricity prices and affordability concerns. Democratic candidates capitalised on discontent, winning gubernatorial races in Texas, Ohio and Georgia by calling for pauses on new developments. Australia faces similar tensions, with projects scrapped in Sydney and Melbourne amid community protests. The government is developing national standards for data centres, but must address siting, resource use and consultation concerns to earn public trust and support AI ambitions.