Conservatives Revolt Over Red State Bill That Derails Trump’s Agenda

Texas conservatives are pushing back hard against Senate Bill 6 (SB6), arguing that it could sabotage President Donald Trump’s vision for an energy-rich and AI-dominant America. The bill, which grants the state increased control over new data centers, has triggered widespread criticism, with many calling it an unnecessary regulation that could stifle investment, competition, and America’s technological lead over China.

A Threat to Trump’s Energy and AI Agenda?

Texas has long been the epicenter of Trump’s multibillion-dollar “Stargate Plan,” a massive initiative aimed at positioning the U.S. as the global leader in AI and data infrastructure. The state is also being considered for several other multibillion-dollar energy and tech investments, making it a battleground for economic growth and policy debates.

However, SB6 would introduce new regulatory oversight that critics say could make Texas less attractive for data center investments. By imposing state controls over the centers’ energy use and cost structures, many fear the bill could force companies to look elsewhere—potentially handing a major competitive edge to China.

Conservatives Sound the Alarm

Prominent voices on the right have taken to social media to denounce the bill.

“AI data centers use a LOT of power – and while huge AI firms will be able to absorb these costs, smaller firms will struggle,” Florida Voice News assistant director Eric Daugherty posted on X. “Texas Republicans need to think this through. Conservatives should NOT favor disincentivizing competition.”

“President Trump’s quest for AI dominance is about to be derailed by a bill being offered up in the Texas State Senate,” conservative commentator Grant Stinchfield warned. “SB6 could literally cost Texas the $500 billion Stargate project. I can’t believe I’m telling Texas how bad overregulation actually is!”

“If you want China to win and stifle American innovation, this seems like the bill to do it,” said conservative commentator Ian Miles Cheong, directly tagging Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick in his post.

Defending the Bill

Supporters argue that SB6 is necessary to strengthen Texas’ independent power grid, which was severely tested during the deadly 2021 winter storm that left millions without power.

“Every family and business that uses electricity will be impacted by SB6,” the Texas Consumer Association posted on X. “As written, it’s anti-consumer—despite the glitter some are sprinkling around it. We’ll work to fix it.”

Dr. Vance Ginn, a senior fellow at the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, told Fox News Digital that the bill would expand government control by imposing unnecessary restrictions on large energy consumers.

“Instead of regulating electricity use and propping up energy sources through tax breaks and subsidies, Texas should focus on getting government out of the way to ensure true energy abundance and a thriving economy,” Ginn said.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Responds

Despite conservative backlash, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick remains firm in his support for SB6, asserting that it aligns with President Trump’s broader agenda.

“We have made clear we are in lockstep with the President on his goal to make America number one, and dominate China, on AI, data centers, and cryptocurrency,” Patrick told Fox News Digital. “Just a few weeks ago, we passed SB 21, the Texas Bitcoin Reserve, making us the largest red state in the country to create a Bitcoin reserve in line with the President.”

Patrick emphasized that Texas remains the premier destination for data centers, particularly those tied to the Trump administration’s economic and technological goals.

“Texas is the only state with its own power grid. SB6 will strengthen, expand, and secure our grid to meet the significant growth needed to achieve these goals. More data centers are under construction in Texas—including for the President’s Stargate Plan—than in any other state. At the same time, we are investing billions into our Texas grid to supply the power needed for the homes and businesses in the fastest-growing state in the country.”

He further reassured conservatives that SB6 would not interfere with Trump’s economic strategy, stating, “These industries understand they will have to supply their own power needs and are diligently working toward that goal so costs are not disproportionately shifted onto residential and small business customers.”

The Debate Continues

As SB6 moves through the Texas legislature, the debate over its implications for Trump’s energy and AI ambitions intensifies. The coming weeks will determine whether Texas remains the undisputed leader in the data revolution or if regulatory hurdles will push investment elsewhere—possibly into the hands of America’s biggest rival, China.