In January 2025, Trump made a public announcement that SoftBank Group, OpenAI, and Oracle were joining forces to initiate the ambitious 'Stargate' AI development project. This grand endeavor was set to pour at least USD 500 billion into the United States, with an initial investment of USD 100 billion. The primary objective was to construct data centers dedicated to AI development in strategic locations, such as Texas in the southern part of the country. This move was anticipated to generate over 100,000 job opportunities, offering a significant boost to the local economy. The cornerstone project of the initial phase was slated to be located in Abilene, Texas, boasting a planned power capacity of 1.2 gigawatts, a testament to the scale of the initiative.
Fast forward to September 2025, and the project's momentum was further underscored by the announcement of five new data centers to be built across the United States. These centers were projected to have a combined capacity of nearly 7 gigawatts, with an investment set to surpass USD 400 billion over the ensuing three years. The scale and scope of the project were becoming increasingly apparent, signaling a major push towards AI development in the region.
In October 2025, the project's expansion plans took another leap forward with the announcement of a data center park in Michigan. This park was envisioned to have a planned power generation capacity exceeding 1 gigawatt, with construction slated to commence in early 2026. The strategic placement of these data centers across different states highlighted the project's commitment to fostering AI development on a national scale.
However, the project's trajectory took an unexpected turn in January 2026. OpenAI revealed its ambitious plans to expand AI infrastructure in the United States to a staggering 10 gigawatts by 2029. Yet, amidst these grand aspirations, the project faced a significant hurdle: a scramble for computing power. This internal dilemma threatened to stall the 'Stargate' project, casting a shadow over its otherwise promising future. The full exposure of these internal challenges underscored the complexities and uncertainties inherent in such a massive undertaking.
