Louisiana Voice

Yes, I know we ran this cartoon before, but it’s worth repeating in light of the following story.

Just in case you need a refresher on how Louisiana politics works, the state’s public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge, WWNO in New Orleans and the Gulf States Newsroom had a story on Tuesday that graphically illustrates just how vicious and underhanded things can get when there’s campaign dollars at stake.

Hut 8 donated to Gov. Landry’s PAC months before Louisiana data center groundbreaking | WRKF

The story, intentionally or not, also provides some insight as to why Donald Trump is so adamant about the benefits of all these AI data centers popping up across the country’s landscape.

And it turns a glaring light on how those in higher office hog the glory for accomplishments while snubbing local officials who should be credited for their own work behind the scenes.

On Oct. 5, groundbreaking ceremonies were held in West Feliciana Parish for the Hut 8 data center to be built there. On hand for the spade-turning were Hut 8 CEO Asher Genoot, Donald Trump Jr. and Gov. Jeff Landry.

Trump Jr. introduced Landry at the event, calling him a “truly great friend” while praising his work to bring data centers to Louisiana despite what he called “vilification” of the projects elsewhere.

Apparently so overwhelmed that he was unable to utter a complete sentence, Trump Jr. said, “Just to be able to be here to support a friend who I truly believe has an incredible opportunity to do something for Louisiana, to take advantage of some of the insanity around the rest of the country and say, ‘Bring us those businesses.’”

But that’s not all. Oh, no, there’s lots more.

Back in March 2025, just a couple of months after TACO Don had retaken the Oval Office, Hut 8, Donald Jr. and brother Eric Trump and others launched American Bitcoin which has produced something of a windfall for the Trump family (would you believe $1.4 billion?). And guess who sits on American Bitcoin’s board? Why, none other than Hut 8 CEO Genoot.

US Data Mining Group, which does business as US Bitcoin Corp., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of…(wait for it)…Hut 8 Corp.

Is there any question as to why the Pedophile President is touting data centers?

Now, let’s go back to last August when Gulf States Newsroom reporters asked Landry about the Hut 8 data center. He declared (apparently with a straight face) that he didn’t know anything about it.

But wait. That was last August. Last June 24, campaign finance records show that US Data Mining Group, which shares a Miami address with American Bitcoin Corp., contributed $25,000 to Cajun PAC II.

Cajun PAC II is Landry’s political action committee.

The story also serves as a vivid reminder of why a vindictive Trump cut funding for NPR.

And what was Landry’s reaction when the Louisiana Board of Ethics instructed the PAC to cease paying for the governor’s congressional gym membership? Why, legislators, at Landry’s urging, changed the law so that now it’s legal and he has used the PAC for such purchases as hunting gear, Christmas gifts and travel expenses for his “goodwill trip” to Greenland.

And with all that hoopla and back-slapping by Landry, Donnie Jr. and Genoot, nary a mention was given West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard who, along with other local officials:

• Never signed nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). Havard said they were never asked to do so.
• Conducted negotiations direly with Hut 8 rather than through Louisiana Economic Development so as not to cede property tax revenue, a move that will earn the parish as much as $90.

“We’re proud that we did it (negotiations) without having to sign NDAs,” Havard said. “I think it just shows that you can do these projects without keeping the people in the dark.”

On the one hand, we have a politician willing to give away the farm for a political contribution and on the other hand, we have a local leader who is dedicated to protecting the interests of his constituents.

Who was it again who had that book called The Art of the Deal?