This opinion piece is part of Access Partnership’s ‘A Digital Manifesto’ initiative, which recommends a framework to develop US global leadership on digital policy for the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
The Stargate Project, with its commitment to investing USD 500 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure over the next four years, highlights the growing recognition of digital infrastructure as a cornerstone of America’s economic and national security. This initiative is part of a broader global push, with other major hubs also ramping up investment in data centres, cloud infrastructure, and AI-ready networks. From Europe’s push to expand sovereign cloud capabilities to Southeast Asia’s rapid buildout of hyperscale data centres, countries worldwide are making digital infrastructure a strategic priority – intensifying the need for the United States (US) to act decisively.
For the US to maintain its leadership in the global digital economy, the new administration must build on existing momentum to prioritise investments in digital infrastructure, which will serve as the backbone for innovation in AI, cloud computing, and other advanced technologies. However, amidst an unpredictable geopolitical landscape, the US faces mounting challenges, including supply chain vulnerabilities, energy constraints for AI workloads, and increasing risks to global subsea cables. Addressing these issues will require a strategic and holistic approach that leverages existing domestic capabilities, strengthens international alliances, and mitigates emerging threats.
The Trump administration’s first 100 days present a critical window to enact policies that can secure the US’s digital leadership. In this regard, three key priorities stand out: (1) scaling up domestic infrastructure investment, (2) ensuring reliable and affordable energy for AI workloads, and (3) safeguarding subsea cable systems. Decisive action in these areas can help the US build a resilient digital ecosystem that secures domestic interests while extending American leadership globally.
Recommendation 1: Scaling up domestic and international infrastructure investment
It is crucial for the US to allocate significant resources to develop and maintain secure and resilient digital infrastructure domestically, with a particular focus on data centres. With demand for AI-driven computing expected to rise substantially, ensuring sufficient data centre capacity and network resilience will be key. Major firms such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Intel have already announced substantial investments in US data centre technologies, underscoring the growing urgency of expanding digital infrastructure.
Given the critical role that data centres play in supporting AI, cloud computing, and other advanced technologies, the US should prioritise policies that promote domestic investment in this infrastructure. This includes providing tax incentives, subsidies, and grants for companies willing to invest in building data centres in underserved regions, while also incentivising the development of advanced technologies that support sustainability, such as energy-efficient cooling systems.
At the same time, policy should support expansion of infrastructure development by US companies to global regions. This will help to grow US technology exports, build technological alliances, and reduce the trade deficit with their partners. US companies are leading the world in global AI infrastructure development – the US alone has drawn in more than USD 330 billion worth of cumulative private sector investment in AI since 2013, and a further USD 300 billion in capital expenditure has been committed globally by major technology firms for 2025.
In addition, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities should be a priority. The recent global semiconductor shortage and logistical disruptions have highlighted how dependent the US is on foreign suppliers for key infrastructure components. To mitigate these risks, the government must work to diversify the supply chain for essential hardware and foster domestic production of critical components, from semiconductors to networking equipment. Strengthening these supply chains will ensure timely delivery of materials needed for data centre expansion and maintenance, minimising disruptions that could delay technological advancements.
By scaling up infrastructure investments and enhancing supply chain resilience, the US can ensure that its digital economy remains competitive, innovative, secure, and sustainable in the face of rapid technological growth.
Recommendation 2: Ensure reliable and affordable energy for AI workloads
AI-driven innovation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, but its success is dependent on having a stable and affordable energy supply. Training large AI models and running high-performance computing workloads will require massive amounts of energy, making energy reliability a core national issue. The US already leads the world in data centres, and according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), their electricity consumption is expected to rise by 30% by 2026. By 2030, data centres could account for up to three times their current share of US electricity consumption, underscoring the need for adequate grid and generation capacity to sustain expansion.
Recognising this challenge, the administration is shifting its energy strategy to prioritise abundance over net-zero goals. Newly-appointed Energy Secretary Chris Wright has announced plans to expedite energy permitting processes, strengthen grid resilience, and explore alternative sources such as nuclear power to support AI workloads. These measures will be critical to ensuring that US data centres, which are integral to AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, have a reliable and scalable energy supply to maintain the country’s competitive edge in the digital economy.
Further action should also prioritise investment in advanced energy solutions, including small modular reactors (SMRs), grid resilience, and energy incentives to power AI data centres. Strengthening domestic mining and processing of critical minerals is also essential to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China, for battery storage and semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, policies should drive the adoption of energy-efficient data centres, ensuring AI workloads are both scalable and sustainable. Achieving this balance will not only require close collaboration with the private sector to align innovation with long-term energy security, but also a planned approach to data centre investments. Other competitors are already moving fast. The United Kingdom (UK) is establishing AI Growth Zones, areas with enhanced access to power and support for planning approvals, to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure. Piecemeal expansion of standalone data centres and privately owned micro-grids will be insufficient – the US needs to take bold, decisive action to secure the energy required to power its digital infrastructure.
Recommendation 3: Safeguarding subsea cable systems
Subsea cable systems are a vital component of digital infrastructure, transmitting almost 99% of all international data. However, these critical networks face persistent threats, with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) estimating that between 150 to 200 subsea cables are damaged annually. While most disruptions are caused by human activities such as fishing operations and anchor strikes, natural disasters and suspected acts of sabotage also pose real risks.
This vulnerability was underscored in late 2024 when two subsea cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged, followed by accusations levelled at Russia for having deliberately targeted them. With rising fears of suspected sabotage and the crucial role that these cables play in global communications, protecting subsea infrastructure must be a strategic priority for the US. These incidents have highlighted the complex interplay between geopolitical tensions and digital infrastructure security, underscoring the need for the US to play a more active role in international and regional bodies like the ICPC and North American Submarine Cable Association. Multi-stakeholder collaboration through these organisations will be essential for aligning priorities and pooling resources towards initiatives such as joint patrols, shared surveillance systems, and coordinated response strategies. Beyond existing bodies, establishing regional task forces to address local and regional cable disruptions could also be beneficial. This would allow neighbouring countries to collaborate on issues beyond the scope of the ICPC, particularly since most jurisdictions lack extra-territorial laws governing cable damage.
Moreover, while investing in new cable projects that diversify existing routes may not be immediately feasible, focusing on simplifying cable landing and repair rights could improve resilience. By streamlining the permit process for cable landings and investing in terrestrial connectivity, the US can strengthen domestic digital infrastructure and improve its global connectivity capabilities.
Why digital infrastructure investment will be crucial
A strong digital backbone will be essential for advancing AI, cloud computing, and next-generation telecommunications – critical pillars of national security, sustained economic growth, and the US’s continued leadership. However, being faced with mounting challenges and an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical landscape, the US must act now to secure its position at the forefront of the digital economy.
Access Partnership supports our clients in navigating complicated policy by providing strategic advice on the rapidly evolving digital infrastructure market and its regulatory changes. To find out more about digital infrastructure and how we can help you, please contact Abhineet Kaul at [email protected]
