Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rejects suggestions that China is shaping the debate over data centers in the United States.

During a Fox News appearance on Friday, the governor dismissed ideas that his recent actions were shaped by overseas messaging.

"I have not acted based on statements from China. Instead I have responded to input from residents and addressed actual issues in their communities," Abbott explained regarding his decision to pause new data center builds in Texas.

"This has no connection to China," he continued.

X revealed on Thursday that it had identified a large network of Chinese-linked accounts, some of which shared negative views on data centers in ways that might sway discussions on American AI and energy needs.

The announcement led to renewed claims from technology leaders that many citizens were being misled by low-cost AI-generated content from China, rendering opposition to data centers invalid.

Researcher Darren Linvill from Clemson University noted that X had not mentioned how most of those accounts showed no interaction and were likely removed before gaining traction.

On the same Fox News segment, host Will Cain referenced the X findings and questioned whether genuine worries about data centers were being fueled by China.

Abbott acknowledged that China may seek to shape opinions on the topic but stressed that his shift in stance came from valid concerns voiced by Texans in areas where such facilities are planned.

"We understood the projected power needs for Texas would reach five times current supply capacity," Abbott stated.

Once a strong backer of data center growth in the state, Abbott has now changed course.

He has set new rules for AI data center developments, including orders for the utility commission and grid operator to shield residents from related infrastructure expenses. He also proposed restricting such projects in rural parts of Texas and requiring audits prior to approval.

Earlier this month Abbott indicated that his team had stopped around 1,800 AI data center proposals in the state.

These facilities represent a critical need for companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, and Microsoft to run their services.

Nationwide, communities are organizing against AI data centers due to their high costs, large land use, and potential effects on the environment, electricity rates, water supplies, and local noise. Some residents simply oppose AI technology itself.

Claims about the reach of any Chinese effort, promoted by certain commentators and figures like Kevin O'Leary, were questioned by multiple experts in misinformation studies.

University of Pittsburgh researcher Samuel Woolley pointed out that reports on Chinese propaganda regarding data centers have come mainly from major technology firms with strong incentives to expand such projects. He noted that X is owned by Elon Musk, whose businesses depend on AI data centers.

"Any research that may carry political weight should be viewed cautiously," Woolley said.