Trending Now - Wisconsin Community Rejects Trump-endorsed Initiative With Humor

WHO:

IJR - Voters in Port Washington, a city in Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 12,000.

Alternet - President Donald Trump, who is backing the construction of an artificial intelligence data center.

WHAT:

IJR - Voters overwhelmingly backed a ballot measure to oppose artificial intelligence data centers on April 6th, 2026.

Alternet - The referendum is seen as a potential blueprint for other municipalities to resist AI projects, marking the first time a U.S. municipality has voted on such a measure.

Alternet - Approximately 30% of U.S. voters oppose the construction of AI data facilities in their neighborhoods.

WHERE:

IJR - Port Washington, Wisconsin, located just north of Milwaukee.

WHEN:

IJR - The vote took place on April 6th, 2026.

Alternet - The article references that at least three other American cities are preparing anti-AI referendums in 2026.

WHY:

Alternet - The referendum aims to allow residents to obstruct future AI data center projects by requiring voter approval for tax incentives awarded to developers.

HOW:

Alternet - The measure would require city leaders to obtain voter approval before granting tax incentives to developers of AI data centers.

(UPDATED April 8, 2026 13:22 UTC)

Voters in Port Washington, Wisconsin, recently made headlines by overwhelmingly supporting a ballot measure on Monday, that opposes the construction of artificial intelligence data centers. This landmark referendum is the first of its kind in the U.S. and could serve as a model for other cities looking to resist similar AI projects, as it requires voter approval for any tax incentives given to developers. Approximately 30% of U.S. voters share concerns about AI data facilities in their neighborhoods, and at least three other cities are preparing to follow suit with their own anti-AI referendums this year.