Microsoft Reverses Wisconsin Data Center Plans Amid Tariff and Voter Sentiment Shifts

Microsoft reversed its data center plans in Wisconsin on October 29, 2026. This decision came as a Marquette University Law School Poll showed that 70% of surveyed registered voters believe tariffs are hurting Wisconsin farmers, while 75% of voters feel that the costs of data centers outweigh their benefits. The poll also noted that in October of the previous year, community opposition had previously caused Microsoft to reverse a course on a planned data center.

The reversal of a major corporate investment in Wisconsin reflects the influence of local political sentiment and economic concerns, specifically regarding the impact of tariffs on agriculture and the perceived costs of technology infrastructure. The poll showed that support for raising tariffs on Canada has recently dropped to 33% among surveyed voters.