Data center companies have faced the challenge of winning support in Washington without gaining the same acceptance nationally. They secured permits, gained agency backing, and received presidential support warning towns against rejection. Despite this, local opposition became a significant obstacle.
The Midterms and Corporate Missteps
Upcoming midterms present a similar challenge. Polls indicate a Democratic sweep in Congress, but businesses should not equate this with a Democratic Washington. Successful companies often synchronize corporate communications with government affairs. Election outcomes won’t capture every stakeholder’s stance on future issues, and a change in Congress doesn’t remove President Trump from power.
Presidential Power in a Divided Government
Historical examples illustrate that presidents still wield considerable power even with an opposing Congress. Voters elected Republicans out in 2006, yet President George W. Bush proceeded with the Iraq surge. Similarly, President Barack Obama enacted significant orders post-2014 Republican victories. President Joe Biden’s Federal Trade Commission actions elaborated this pattern, showing presidents maintain influence.
President Trump’s record after losing the House in 2018 highlights his enduring authority. He presided over a prolonged government shutdown and declared a national emergency to fund the border wall, leveraging agency strength over legislative compromise. Companies should not anticipate him being passive in future terms.
Voter Dynamics and Economic Influence
Voter preferences remain consistent. Electing Democrats doesn’t make voters staunch party supporters. The White House has rarely gained House seats during midterms since 1900. Therefore, even minor losses are typical, and major losses often center on the non-political issue of the economy. Factors such as the Iran war and tariffs have increased living costs.
The Importance of Integrated Corporate Strategies
Effective corporate strategies involve collaboration across departments to address varied stakeholder interests. Data centers illustrate risks when this doesn’t happen. Proven Media Solutions’ report revealed that government affairs teams secured necessary permits, but communications teams were uninvolved, leading to project delays caused by local communities.
Companies should also consider other significant issues, like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Trump’s executive orders reignited DEI debates, harming relations with minority stakeholders. If Congress challenges corporations on DEI changes, corporate communications must build trust with affected groups proactively.
Strategies for Navigating Immigration Controversies
Dealing with immigration-related pressures requires strategic coordination. Hotel chains faced protests and federal program removals over accommodating ICE agents. While these issues were locally managed, broader Congressional scrutiny necessitates robust alliances between government affairs and corporate communications to manage stakeholder perceptions and regulatory demands.
Developing Unified Corporate Playbooks
Post-election strategies must be cohesive, crafted to address company vulnerabilities and leverage points. Government affairs understand regulatory landscapes while corporate communications interpret community and customer needs. A unified messaging approach ensures consistent narratives across all audiences.
Corporate strategies must acknowledge that political predictions often miss the mark. Voters remain focused on economic well-being and local impacts like data center placements, not partisan divisions. Companies planning otherwise risk engaging with a fictional national audience.
Dustin Siggins, founder of Proven Media Solutions, contributes insights across multiple platforms on business communications and strategy.