Opposition to AI Data Center in Virginia Linked to Marxist Group

Organizers opposing the construction of an AI data center in Virginia are reportedly connected to the Socialist Party (PSL), a Marxist-Leninist group that has associations with networks tied to China, according to recent reports. One key individual, Jack Tensley, who identifies as an “organizer” for the PSL, testified against the center at a Frederick County Planning Commission meeting in January.

During his testimony, Tensley expressed concerns about security risks associated with the data center. “What I’m really worried about is the potential for attacks on our infrastructure. We need to understand if this makes Frederick County more vulnerable,” he stated. His testimony brings up broader issues about the expansion of data centers across the country.

As the U.S. moves to establish the infrastructure necessary for AI, local zoning disputes have raised suspicions that political groups might be leveraging local campaigns to oppose this development. According to the report, Tensley’s views align with this sentiment.

The PSL claims its mission is to advance socialism in the U.S. and has connections to Neville Roy Singham, a businessman based in Shanghai. Singham is noted to have ties with the Chinese Communist Party and has invested around $278 million over the last decade in various nonprofit organizations that have been involved in demonstrations against U.S. policies, as reported by the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI).

The BPI identified that the PSL has mobilized campaigns against data centers in at least 14 states. Some lawmakers, including Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas, have urged the Department of Justice to launch an investigation into Singham’s network, suggesting it is linked to efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to sway U.S. policy regarding data centers.

In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Cotton emphasized, “There are troubling reports that a network of foreign actors is trying to manipulate American policy and public opinion concerning data centers.”

While it’s unclear if Singham directly finances the PSL, the BPI has classified the group as a political entity that actively opposes data center projects. “PSL acts as the operational base for the movement, equipping local candidates and community organizations with the tools needed to block these developments,” the BPI noted.

In relation to Tensley, records from the Federal Election Commission show he has contributed to various political figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont. Additionally, he’s signed a petition aimed at protecting Frederick County from data center developments, urging local officials to reject such plans.

Recently, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously against the application for a 220-acre data center development in Clearbrook. They also voted 7-1 to deny a separate project of 71.8 acres in Winchester. As of now, Tensley has not provided any comments to the media on this issue.