US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sharply criticized American corporations investing heavily in artificial intelligence, according to a report early Tuesday. He said these companies have failed to properly communicate with local communities at a time when data centers are driving up living costs and fueling public concerns.

Bessent argued that the industry has done a poor job of explaining itself, stating: "This industry has not explained its case at all, and it has done a terrible job. Both the AI industry and the government have a responsibility to explain to the American public what AI can deliver, whether in practical applications, national security, or quality of life." Some outsiders who previously supported data centers have now begun to oppose restrictions on their construction.

Bessent noted that data center construction itself is innovative and could spark a long-lasting investment cycle, creating long-term employment opportunities for skilled workers. He added, "These companies have not listened to the concerns of communities and stakeholders. Everyone knows I've been a tough grader in the past, but even on a curve, I would only give them a D-."

AI investment is putting upward pressure on prices across multiple sectors, particularly through data center construction, which affects utility costs and the prices of high-bandwidth memory needed for many consumer electronics. Bessent reaffirmed his belief that AI investment will drive a significant productivity boom in the United States. On Tuesday, he predicted that the AI capital expenditure surge would substantially ease inflationary pressures, estimating that "within the next six months, we will begin to see the benefits of these investments."

This criticism of corporate communication strategies marks Bessent's latest rebuke of the AI industry. Last month, he criticized hyperscale cloud service providers for choosing inappropriate bond maturities. Market participants believe that heavy corporate debt issuance is one factor pushing up US Treasury yields, which in turn keeps borrowing costs elevated for items like mortgage rates. "If I were a chief financial officer, I would consider issuing more of what are called intermediate-term bonds, specifically five-year maturities," he said.

Earlier in August, Google's parent company Alphabet issued $25 billion in bonds (approximately 1,684.12 billion yuan at current exchange rates), with maturities ranging from two to forty years.