Who will pay for the electricity in AI data centers? Trump calls out tech giants: Microsoft will be the first to bear the brunt

As artificial intelligence (AI) develops rapidly, data center construction across the United States has surged, driving up electricity demand and overall electricity prices, leading to public dissatisfaction over rising living costs. U.S. President Trump responded by demanding that tech giants bear the electricity costs brought by data centers themselves, rather than passing them on to ordinary citizens.

Trump Warns Tech Giants About Externalizing AI Power Costs: Citizens Should Not Pay the Price

This morning, Trump posted on Truth Social stating that although data centers are key facilities driving AI development, the related electricity costs should not be borne by ordinary households but should be the responsibility of the tech companies that build and operate the data centers.

He revealed that the government has been in discussions with Microsoft (Microsoft) and said that the company will make “significant adjustments,” though he did not specify the details:

The initial action will target Microsoft. My team has been working with them to ensure that Americans do not end up paying for their electricity consumption through higher utility bills.

Microsoft: AI Cost Allocation Becomes Industry-Wide Issue

Microsoft has not responded to Trump’s post, but Vice Chairman and President Brad Smith is expected to make a related statement at an event in Washington.

Previously, in a pre-announced event, Microsoft stated: “The company has long collaborated with society to create a better future through technology.” It also raised similar questions:

In this new era driven by AI, who will benefit, what impacts will it bring, and who should bear the costs of critical infrastructure?

(Meta Signs Nuclear Energy Agreement to Expand AI Power, Vistra and Oklo Stocks Surge)

Side Effects of the AI Arms Race: Electricity Becomes a Scarce Resource

Earlier reports indicated that the U.S. government has long regarded data centers as vital infrastructure in the competition with China for AI leadership. However, rapid expansion has come with tangible costs. In recent years, U.S. electricity prices have risen faster than overall inflation, and AI electricity consumption is expected to double before 2035.

This not only increases the burden on households and businesses but also puts pressure on grid operators and regulators, who must balance cost-sharing, replacing aging grid infrastructure, maintaining power stability, and ensuring long-term electricity sufficiency.

As Google CEO Eric Schmidt stated at an event in April this year: “AI may ultimately consume 99% of the world’s electricity, growing faster than we can build new power plants.”

(Morgan Stanley Warns: AI Demand Exposes US ‘Power Shortage,’ Immediate Power Supply Solutions Become Next Investment Opportunity?)

Midterm Elections Approaching, AI Energy Costs Become Political Pressure Point

Bloomberg pointed out that polls show American voters are becoming more conservative in their assessment of Trump’s economic performance in his second term. In last year’s local elections, the Democratic Party campaigned on “lower electricity bills” and won in several key states, making energy prices a highly sensitive political issue.

As the midterm elections approach, how the electricity costs from data centers are shared will continue to influence corporate attitudes, energy policies, and election strategies.

This article “Who Pays for AI Data Center Power? Trump Names Tech Giants: Microsoft Will Be the First” first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.