[tickerticker]

OpenAI has first mover advantage with respect to raising money but not wrt tech dominance.

Consensus theory: If AGI then superintelligence.

AI CapEx plans are not ROI based. Rather, they are the cost of "how do I remain competitive in the race to attain AGI" coupled with conveniently deep pockets. The money is being spent because the spenders can afford it and they see it as an existential risk as much as a profit opportunity.

Maybe OP's conclusion about the headline question blunts some political opposition to data centers, but that's not the salient issue.

The issue is this: America is betting a meaningful chunk of GDP that AGI is possible. This is The Manhattan Project 2.0.