Unlikely alliance: Bannon joins forces with Sanders, AOC over AI, data center restrictions – report

Far-right podcast host Steve Bannon has unexpectedly allied with progressive Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to oppose the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers. This unusual coalition, highlighted by a Wall Street Journal report, is driven by shared concerns over power and water consumption, job displacement, and distrust of big tech. Bannon stated, "If we don't get this right, none of that other stuff is going to matter," emphasizing the issue's unifying populist appeal. Sanders acknowledged the "strange coalitions" in politics, noting that "many of the right-wing people have the same concerns that I have."

• Bannon supports Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez's proposal to ban new data center construction, contrasting with the Trump administration's industry-friendly AI strategy.
• The debate is intensifying ahead of midterm elections, with campaign ads criticizing data centers appearing in numerous House and Senate races.
• Some state governors, like Texas's Greg Abbott and Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro, have moved to restrict data center projects despite previous support.
• Industry advocates and Trump allies, such as venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale, oppose these restrictions, arguing they could undermine US competitiveness and labeling opponents as "crazy populists."