WASHINGTON: Democratic Senator John Fetterman backed faster US AI development on Saturday, August 22, arguing that slowing investment would strengthen China’s position in artificial intelligence.
The Pennsylvania senator wrote on X that AI and energy leadership supported US national security. He rejected what he called political hyperbole about data centres and “AI doomsdaying.”
Fetterman shared an article about Chinese companies deploying advanced AI models more rapidly as the US technological lead narrows. The underlying assessment came from the article rather than an official government benchmark.
His position overlaps with President Donald Trump’s policy of accelerating AI infrastructure and reducing federal barriers to large data-centre projects. Fetterman did not announce a formal partnership with the White House.
Fetterman has also opposed proposals to pause AI development or new data-centre construction. Earlier in August, he argued that the United States must maintain its lead to avoid operating under rules shaped by China.
The position places Fetterman at odds with independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. They introduced legislation in March seeking a temporary moratorium on new AI data centres.
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Trump signed an executive order in July 2025 to accelerate federal permitting for qualifying data-centre infrastructure. The order covers projects involving more than 100 megawatts of new AI-related electricity demand or at least $500 million in capital spending.
Public opposition remains a hurdle. A March Gallup survey found that 71% of Americans opposed building an AI data centre in their local area, with respondents citing pollution and quality-of-life concerns.
