OpenAI rebrands data centers as compute campuses ahead of midterms

OpenAI is rebranding its artificial intelligence data centers as "compute campuses" in an effort to improve public perception and prepare for a potentially tougher regulatory environment following the midterm elections. A company spokesman stated that the new name better describes the scale and role of the infrastructure. This rebranding is a key component of a public relations campaign the company is preparing, as Democrats are expected to regain control of the House and possibly the Senate. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, told Axios that the midterms serve as a preview for the 2028 presidential election, where he expects AI to be the central issue. To influence this debate, OpenAI is considering proposals including the development of AI speed limits, framing AI as empowering in daily life, and pushing the U.S. to lead in global standards. Lehane characterized the current debate over data centers, which has led Amazon and Microsoft to abandon non-disclosure agreements in local government negotiations, as "good and healthy," arguing that communities should hold companies accountable to ensure transformative benefits from these projects. The rebranding comes amid a growing populist backlash against data centers, with moratoriums proposed by figures such as New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Scott Galloway criticized these moratoriums as "populist bullshit," arguing that while citizen anger is real, it is a mistake that will drive data center growth and property tax revenue to Republican states. He noted that the backlash is a vessel for anger over income inequality and perceived corruption, and that opposing data centers is a failure of leadership that ignores the need for growth to fund social services.