OpenAI may rebrand data centers as AI compute campuses after the midterms

Axios reports the company is preparing a post-election PR push led by Chris Lehane as opposition to data centers grows Data centers have an image problem. OpenAI’s reported fix is to stop calling them data centers. According to Axios, OpenAI is preparing a public relations push for after Tuesday’s US midterm elections. As part of that campaign, the company may start referring to its facilities as “AI compute campuses.” What OpenAI is reportedly planning The effort is being led by Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer. The campaign is set to begin after the November 3, 2026 elections. The new name is meant to change how these facilities are understood. Rather than anonymous warehouses full of humming servers, OpenAI wants them seen as long-term investments in computing power, energy infrastructure, and skilled jobs. The rebrand reportedly comes with a policy package, not just a new label. Lehane’s team has a set of proposals ready for the incoming congressional leadership. Those include: Community agreements with the towns and counties that host OpenAI facilities. Legislation giving local residents a say in where data centers get built. “Speed limits” on advanced AI sy...