O’Leary: Many mega-data center concerns in Utah based on ‘misinformation,’ ‘lies’

Millionaire investor Kevin O’Leary defended his Stratos AI data center proposal in Utah’s Box Elder County, calling concerns over the project ‘ridiculous’ and accusing outside groups of spreading misinformation. Speaking to NewsNation’s *The Hill*, O’Leary dismissed objections from local residents, including protests and thousands of filed comments, as part of a smear campaign potentially linked to China. The project, billed as one of the world’s largest AI data centers, spans multiple sites and is a collaboration between O’Leary Digital and the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). O’Leary rejected claims the project would consume all 40,000 acres of its parcel, stating only a quarter would be used. He also denied allegations the facility would drain water from the Great Salt Lake, asserting the center would instead return treated water to the lake and rely on the Ruby Pipeline for power generation. Local opposition has centered on concerns over water supply and increased energy costs. The investor accused unnamed outside interests of funding false narratives to agitate residents, hiring forensic auditors to investigate the claims. ‘All these people have a right to get information,’ O’Leary said. ‘Why are they getting it from a false initiative?’ He questioned who was behind the misinformation, calling it ‘straight out lies.’ The Stratos project has faced growing backlash, with critics warning of environmental and infrastructure strain. O’Leary’s defense comes amid a broader debate over AI data centers’ impact on local communities and resources. The development remains under scrutiny as local officials weigh objections and the project’s potential benefits.