Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to expedite the construction of AI data centers in the United States is facing significant obstacles. Following a series of executive orders last year, the initiative aimed to ensure U.S. dominance in the AI sector against China. However, aggressive tariffs on Chinese imports have severely impacted the supply chain for essential components like transformers, switchgear, and batteries, which are crucial for building the necessary power infrastructure. Reports indicate that nearly 50% of the data centers planned for this year may be delayed or canceled due to these supply issues. Previously, the delivery of these components took about 24 to 30 months, but now, wait times can extend up to five years. Although Trump advocates for U.S. manufacturing of these devices, current domestic production cannot meet the rising demand. Analysts note that only one-third of the largest AI data centers expected to launch by 2026 are currently under construction, as firms grapple with the reality of insufficient infrastructure. Many are now considering paying tariffs to expedite imports from China, a situation Trump seems to overlook in his directives.