In January, a local organizer linked to the Party of Socialism and Liberation testified before the Frederick County Planning Commission, voicing concerns over a proposed artificial‑intelligence data center. The speaker highlighted potential costs, energy consumption, liability, and especially security risks that could expose the county to cyberattacks.
The organizer, who identifies as a party activist, is part of a group that positions itself against corporate capitalism and advocates for socialist policies. The organization claims to fight for labor rights, immigration reform, and anti‑war initiatives while opposing large‑scale data center projects.
A nonpartisan cryptocurrency think tank has documented that the party has led anti‑data center campaigns in at least fourteen states, targeting nearly twenty-four billion dollars of AI investment. These efforts include public hearings, petitions, and local rallies aimed at halting new developments.
Investigative reports have linked the party’s leadership to a Shanghai‑based businessman who has donated hundreds of millions to a network of U.S. nonprofits. The network has been associated with anti‑ICE, anti‑Israel, and pro‑Iran demonstrations, raising questions about foreign influence in domestic policy debates.
The businessman, a former tech entrepreneur who now resides in Shanghai, has faced government scrutiny over alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party. His financial contributions have supported groups that operate across the United States, leading some lawmakers to call for a review of the network’s impact on U.S. policy.
Despite these controversies, the local opposition movement has achieved tangible results. In June, the Frederick County board voted unanimously to recommend denial of a 220‑acre data center project in Clearbook, and again rejected a 71.8‑acre development in Winchester with a 7‑to‑1 margin.
The organizer’s digital footprint reveals contributions to national political campaigns, including a small donation to a prominent presidential candidate in 2020. His continued activism against the county’s data center plans underscores the broader debate over infrastructure expansion and community impact.
As the United States accelerates AI infrastructure development, local zoning battles and energy concerns highlight the growing influence of political groups seeking to shape the future of data centers through grassroots advocacy and national networks.
