Trump Discusses Measures to Ease Electricity Bill Burden with Microsoft and Other Big Tech Firms

Rising Electricity Bills Due to AI Data Center Power Consumption
Americans Face Higher Utility Costs
Targeting the 'Affordability' Issue Ahead of the Midterm Elections

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken action with big tech companies to address the growing burden of electricity bills on Americans caused by artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. At the same time, he criticized the congestion pricing policy currently being implemented in New York City. Unlike the inflation figures, which have peaked and are now declining, the cost of living as felt by the public continues to rise, suggesting that Trump is targeting the issue of affordability-a key topic in the upcoming midterm elections.

On the 12th (local time), President Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, "Under former President Joe Biden and the Democratic administration, Americans' average monthly utility bills have increased by more than 30 percent," adding, "Americans should not have to bear higher electricity costs because of data centers."

He also stated, "The government is working to secure commitments from U.S. big tech companies to serve Americans, and there will be many announcements soon," noting, "To ensure Americans do not shoulder the increased electricity costs caused by big tech's power consumption, Microsoft will attempt a significant change this week."

Recently, there has been growing opposition across the United States to the construction of AI data centers. As competition with China over AI intensifies, big tech companies and the U.S. government are building data center infrastructure in various regions. However, concerns have been raised that the massive use of electricity and cooling water could deplete local environmental resources. In addition, there are voices warning that the burden of electricity bills resulting from data center power consumption could be passed on to local residents.

The political debate over data centers is also intensifying. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders criticized, "The expansion of data centers depletes energy and water resources and shifts the costs of AI onto ordinary citizens." Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy under the Trump administration, also mentioned rising electricity bills and pointed out that local residents' opposition is growing.

As concerns about rising electricity bills due to data center construction spread in political circles, the Trump administration appears to be formulating countermeasures. The issue of affordability is considered the biggest topic in the midterm elections.

On this day, President Trump also criticized the congestion pricing policy being implemented in New York City. On Truth Social, he wrote, "Congestion pricing is a disaster," and called for its immediate halt.

New York City has implemented congestion pricing since the 5th of this month, charging a $9 toll on all vehicles entering Manhattan. The policy was introduced to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. As a result, it is reported that citizens commuting to Manhattan now have to spend an additional $200 per month.

Previously, when New York City announced its intention to implement the policy, President Trump intervened to have it withdrawn. Imposing congestion pricing requires federal government approval, which Trump refused to grant. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of New York City, and the city is now collecting congestion tolls.