Utah residents oppose Kevin O'Leary's data center expansion, reject billionaire's 'bussed in' protester claims
Kevin O'Leary announced plans for what he claims would be the world's largest data center in Utah, but faced local opposition from residents who say the project threatens their community. O'Leary characterized protesters as outsiders who were 'bussed in,' but the investigation found the opponents are local residents concerned about a Canadian company exploiting Utah resources. Local residents expressed frustration that the state is allowing the project to proceed without their input.
This story is based on reporting by a trusted journalist. The source conducted field interviews with protesters to verify their local status and challenge O'Leary's characterization.
Verified
- ✓Kevin O'Leary proposed a data center in Utah. (More Perfect Union reporting)
- ✓Local residents organized opposition to the project. (More Perfect Union reporting)
- ✓O'Leary claimed protesters were 'bussed in.' (More Perfect Union reporting)
- ✓Protesters self-identified as local residents. (More Perfect Union reporting)
Interpretation
- ~The source characterizes O'Leary's dismissal of protesters as inaccurate, suggesting he misrepresented grassroots opposition. (More Perfect Union framing)
- ~The report frames the situation as a conflict between local interests and outside corporate expansion. (More Perfect Union analysis)
▸▾Why this is here
- Source
- @MorePerfectUnion
- Source type
- Independent News (Tier 4)
- Content type
- Reported
- Confidence
- Reported
- Coverage
- 1 of 15 major US outlets
- Published
- May 11, 2026 at 11:05 AM PDT
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