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Everyone Hates Data Centers (Except Kevin O'Leary)

May 20, 2026 / 00:59

This episode discusses public opposition to data centers in local areas, focusing on a protest in Utah and the role of spokesperson Kevin O'Leary. The conversation highlights income inequality and the disconnect between wealthy tech companies and average Americans.

The hosts mention that seven in ten Americans oppose data centers, emphasizing that this opposition spans various demographics and political groups. They express frustration over rising prices and the lack of participation in the wealth generated by AI.

Kevin O'Leary's involvement as a spokesperson for the data center initiative is criticized, with hosts mocking his appearance and suggesting he is out of touch with the community's concerns.

The discussion reflects broader themes of environmental impact and economic disparity, as the hosts connect the construction of data centers to feelings of disenfranchisement among local residents.

TLDR

Americans oppose local data centers, citing income inequality and criticizing spokesperson Kevin O'Leary's disconnect with community concerns.

Episode

0:59
00:00:00
Seven in 10 Americans oppose [music] constructing data centers in their local area. The opposition cuts across every
00:00:06
major demographic and political group. And it's crazy. It's like these rich
00:00:10
[ __ ] are [ __ ] with our environment now, right? And not to our benefit. >> Americans see their prices going up and
00:00:17
they're not participating in the wealth creation of AI. It's just a proxy for
00:00:21
income inequality. Anthropic is worth a trillion dollars and I can't afford detergent. And so when I hear a data
00:00:28
center's going up 40 miles from me, I show up to the protest. The one being planned in Utah that's sort of been the
00:00:33
lightning rod, they have the wrong spokesperson, Kevin O'Leary. Oh god. I mean, he's literally the worst
00:00:39
spokesperson in the world for this [ __ ] >> Kevin O'Leary shows up with his
00:00:42
multi-million dollar vest. Oh my god, you literally look like the Monopoly man. Old people, white people, rich
00:00:49
people. Okay, tell me you're involved in a data center without telling me you're
00:00:53
involved in a data center.

Episode Highlights

  • Wealth Disparity
    Americans see rising prices while not benefiting from AI wealth creation.
    “It's just a proxy for income inequality.”
    @ 00m 19s
    May 20, 2026
  • Protest Against Data Centers
    A protest is planned in Utah against the construction of a data center.
    “I show up to the protest.”
    @ 00m 30s
    May 20, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • It's like these rich are messing with our environment.
    Everyone Hates Data Centers (Except Kevin O'Leary)
  • I can't afford detergent.
    Everyone Hates Data Centers (Except Kevin O'Leary)
  • You literally look like the Monopoly man.
    Everyone Hates Data Centers (Except Kevin O'Leary)

Key Moments

  • Wealth Inequality00:19
  • Protest Planning00:30
  • Critique of Spokesperson00:35
  • Monopoly Man Reference00:42
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