Across the United States, the AI boom is fueling a massive expansion of data centers. Supporters promise investment, tax revenue and jobs. But communities living next door are raising questions about land and water use, the power demand, and the noise.

President Donald Trump has attacked the backlash against data centers, saying communities that oppose them will end up 'backwards and poor.' DW speaks to author and researcher Stephanie Hare about the true cost of AI, in terms of land, energy and resources.