Sen. Cotton Alleges Chinese Influence Behind U.S. Data Center Backlash, Demands DOJ Probe

The senator questioned whether domestic opposition to AI infrastructure is being manipulated by foreign adversaries

Zach Stark

Jun 11, 2026 — 2 min read

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., questions witnesses during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing by Cliff Owen/AP.

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2026 – Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., questioned whether the domestic data center backlash is really home grown in America.

Cotton asked the Department of Justice to investigate foreign influence efforts targeting American AI infrastructure in a June 10 letter addressed to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

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AI Public Safety Democracy Data Center AI moratorium Bernie Sanders Todd Blanche Tom Cotton Neville Roy Singham China

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