House Speaker Mike Johnson Discusses AI Doomsday Warnings

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stated in an interview with Fox Business on September 28, 2026, that he believes warnings regarding the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers are a form of Chinese propaganda aimed at undermining the U.S. position in AI development. Johnson referenced discussions with tech executives and lawmakers who share his view that the criticisms of data centers are influenced by China. He remarked, 'This is what Democrats do every election cycle. They find something to, you know, glom onto and say that this is doom and gloom and everyone will die if we don’t win. Don’t buy it. It is a Chinese psyop.' The Heritage Foundation has reported that actors linked to the Chinese Communist Party have been promoting anti-data center sentiments in the U.S., while China continues to invest in its own data center infrastructure. Former President Donald Trump has also labeled the doomsday warnings as a 'hoax' intended to hinder U.S. innovation. He expressed confidence in the potential of AI and data centers, stating that they could become the 'Greatest Economic Development Engine in History.' Concerns about AI and data centers include their significant space and resource requirements, as well as calls from U.S. tech leaders for regulation to ensure AI development remains manageable.