Senator Tom Cotton asks Justice Department to review campaign against U.S. data centers

Sen. Tom Cotton sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting a Justice Department investigation into organizations that have campaigned against U.S. data center construction and AI infrastructure projects. The letter states that recent reports show efforts to influence U.S. policy and public opinion on data centers.

Cotton said the goal appears to be limiting American processing power in the competition with China over artificial intelligence.

Background on the report The request follows a report released last week by the Bitcoin Policy Institute. The report alleges that Chinese state media, foreign-funded advocacy groups, and a network of organizations linked to Neville Roy Singham have worked to build opposition to data center and AI projects.

The report identifies three streams of influence: Chinese state media, the Singham network, and other foreign-funded organizations. It claims these groups have aligned to block or delay new AI-related infrastructure.

Singham network activities Fox News Digital previously reported that Singham has directed $278 million to nonprofits including CodePink, the People's Forum, Tricontinental, and BreakThrough News. These groups have participated in campaigns opposing AI development, semiconductor export controls, and data center projects.

Cotton introduced the DATA Act of 2026 earlier this year. The bill would allow manufacturers and data centers to build electricity systems separate from the consumer grid. Lawmakers in both chambers have also opened inquiries into whether groups in the Singham network should register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.