The Independent says a Democratic congressional win next week could bring major U.S. technology firms under scrutiny over ties to President Donald Trump and artificial intelligence, while data-center costs draw attention.
Earlier this month, a report by Sens. Chris Van Hollen, Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren examined how data-center demand affects consumers, The Independent reported. The facilities are needed to support AI computing, while Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. has broadened a House inquiry into AI-powered surveillance pricing. Pallone is a New Jersey Democrat and ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Brandon Rios, who co-leads the congressional investigations team at DLA Piper, told The Hill that AI and data centers could produce bipartisan cooperation. He cited pressure on electricity prices and local water supplies as issues that matter to constituents across party lines, The Independent reported.
Cooper Teboe, a California Democratic strategist, told The Hill he expects major technology companies to face numerous official and political investigations if Democrats take control of Congress, The Independent reported. He also said companies have made themselves vulnerable to criticism that AI has advanced without sufficient restraint.
Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff told MS NOW last month that technology executives should appear before Congress “immediately.” The Independent reported that Ossoff argued AI’s challenges require capable leadership, contrasting that call with Trump’s optimistic approach to the technology.
A recent Politico poll cited by The Independent found that most Americans now regard tech leaders as conservative, whereas Silicon Valley was once viewed as left-leaning. The outlet also named Sundar Pichai, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk among the executives present at Trump’s January 2025 inauguration and a later White House AI summit.
Trump has promoted AI under the label “Super Intelligence” and dismissed warnings about severe risks, even as some prominent industry leaders have acknowledged such concerns, The Independent reported.
The Independent forecast that federal AI safety legislation is likely to be a Democratic priority. Trump could veto legislation even if it passes both chambers. The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
