Top Texas GOP official rallies around Trump’s AI, crypto plans amid state’s crucial investments
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has expressed his full support for President Donald Trump’s aggressive plan to expand the artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency capabilities of the United States. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Patrick stated that there is “no daylight” between him and President Trump on this issue, emphasizing their shared goal of positioning Texas and America as leaders in AI, data centers, and crypto technologies.
Patrick, a staunch ally of Trump, previously raised concerns about the strain that crypto mining and data centers could place on the state’s electrical grid. However, he clarified that he fully backs the President’s vision for these industries and their potential to drive economic growth. He stressed that these sectors must be responsible for their own power needs to prevent excessive costs from being passed on to residential and small business customers.
The Texas Lieutenant Governor’s alignment with Trump’s stance on AI and crypto comes at a time when the President has been actively promoting the expansion of data centers and crypto mining as essential components of the nation’s economic strategy. Trump’s recent announcement of a $20 billion foreign investment in data center expansion, including significant projects in Texas, has garnered support from key conservative figures like Senator Ted Cruz.
The President’s emphasis on energy independence and economic growth has resonated with the crypto community, leading to substantial fundraising efforts from the industry. The data center sector has also welcomed Trump’s recognition of its vital role in advancing national security and economic competitiveness. With Texas poised to benefit significantly from these developments, Patrick believes that the state can lead the way in AI and data center innovation while safeguarding its electrical grid.
Trump’s unveiling of Stargate, a major AI infrastructure initiative backed by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, further underscores his commitment to advancing America’s capabilities in AI-related technologies. Texas will play a central role in this venture, with multiple data centers already under construction and plans for additional facilities in the pipeline. The state’s main grid operator anticipates a significant increase in power demand by 2030, driven in part by the growing needs of data centers, crypto mining operations, and other large-scale users.
As Texas positions itself as a hub for AI, data centers, and crypto technologies, Patrick remains optimistic about the state’s potential to lead the industry while addressing the challenges posed by increased power consumption. By fostering innovation and collaboration within these sectors, Texas aims to solidify its position as a global leader in cutting-edge technologies.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Connect with him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and share tips via email at AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.
