Amazon’s $10B Ohio Data Center Expansion Reflects US AI Ambitions

• Amazon Web Services will invest another $10 billion into data centers in Ohio.
• The U.S. continues to push for global AI dominance.
• President-elect Donald Trump has historically had a light stance on AI regulation.

Amazon Web Services has announced that it will invest another $10 billion to boost data center infrastructure in Ohio.

The move comes as America continues to push for dominance in the AI sector, leveraging strategic investments and regulatory measures to maintain a competitive edge.

Amazon Data Center Expansion

Amazon’s new investment will be used to expand upon its existing data center in the U.S., which was opened in Ohio in 2016.

The newly built data center will be fitted with computer servers, storage drives, and other advanced equipment to power AI.

Amazon has not yet confirmed where the new data center will be located.

The investment follows the tech giant’s previous commitment of $13.8 billion to the State’s data center infrastructure.

U.S. AI Dominance

The U.S. continues to be a dominant force in the AI space – which could be further boosted by President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump has historically adopted a deregulatory approach to AI, focusing on reducing regulatory barriers and fostering innovation.

During his campaign, the President-elect claimed that he would repeal Joe Biden’s “dangerous” Executive Order , which he said “hinders AI Innovation.”

In October 2023, Biden deployed a new regulation that enabled the government to oversee and advise AI companies.

Trump’s manifesto claimed the order imposed “Radical Left-wing ideas on the development of this technology.”

“In its place, Republicans support AI Development rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing,” Trump’s manifesto read.

The U.S. has also seen major investments in AI, including SoftBank’s pledge of $100 billion.

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said he hoped the investment would create 100,000 jobs focused on AI and infrastructure through its investment, CNBC reported.

Big Tech’s AI Push

Big Tech companies have been heavily investing in AI. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are leading the investments with new developments and research.

The increasing competition among these tech giants has spurred innovations in both consumer-facing products and foundational technologies, such as semiconductors and new algorithms.

By 2030, the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that tasks accounting for up to 30% of the hours now worked across the U.S. could be automated, displacing up to 12 million workers.

In October, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a series of structural changes to the tech giant to accelerate the company’s AI standing.

The search engine giant said it would combine its Gemini and Google DeepMind teams to boost the efficiency of AI product development. Google also blended its Assistant teams with its Platforms and Devices division, putting a greater emphasis on creating smart AI.

Meanwhile, PwC launched a restructuring plan that would blend both its AI division and its standalone technology unit.