MAGA agenda to remain intact as AI data center development continues: AFPI chair

Detailed summary

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), the think tank that helped shape U.S. President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, expects artificial intelligence (AI) data center…

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI), the think tank that helped shape U.S. President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, expects artificial intelligence (AI) data center development to continue despite concerns over a potential slowdown in investment.

In a written interview with Maeil Business on Wednesday, Chad Wolf, chair of the AFPI, said Democratic control of Congress would not automatically invalidate the president’s executive orders.

Democratic control “could introduce greater uncertainty through spending decisions, proposed legislation, and oversight,” he said. “But congressional control alone does not automatically repeal the president’s executive actions…. Congressional scrutiny need not prevent responsible development.”

His remarks suggest that the rationale behind Trump’s America First policies – that AI data centers are essential to the U.S. economy and national security – remains firmly in place.

AFPI has supplied several key officials to Trump’s second administration. Wolf served as acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security during Trump’s first term.

“President Trump’s permitting initiative established a framework for accelerating data centers and supporting energy infrastructure,” Wolf said. “Advanced computing, reliable power, and semiconductor capacity matter to our economic competitiveness and national security.”

His comments indicate that although market concerns persist over potential obstacles to AI data center projects, the broader policy direction is unlikely to change.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. also issued an analysis following the U.S. midterm elections, saying economic incentives for development remain strong and investment is more likely to shift to regions with favorable regulatory environments than come to a halt.

Wolf acknowledged that the investment landscape surrounding AI data centers could change.

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