Memphis City Council cancels Elon Musk data center vote amid protest

A Memphis City Council meeting ended in disruption after a vote regarding Elon Musk's data centers was abruptly cancelled, the Daily Mail reported. Council members were ushered out of the chamber as an angry crowd of local residents protested the proposal at City Hall. [1]

According to the Daily Mail, video footage captured furious residents shouting at the local officials. Protesters used bullhorns to lead chants across the room, shouting phrases such as bought and sold, sellouts, and no justice, no peace during the confrontation. [1]

The Memphis City Council serves as the legislative branch of government for Memphis, Tennessee, and consists of seven single-district members and six super-district members. Governed alongside Mayor Paul Young, the 13 council members serve four-year terms and are responsible for making land use decisions and approving the city budget. [7]

Musk is the chief executive officer and largest shareholder of SpaceX and Tesla, and Forbes estimated his net worth at one trillion dollars in October 2026. Fortune reported that SpaceX stock climbed nearly eight percent on a single Monday, increasing his overall wealth. [2][8]

Opposition to artificial intelligence data centers near residential neighborhoods has expanded internationally, as FTMQ News reported earlier. Local residents in countries including Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia have similarly protested against new data center construction projects planned near homes. [11]