Trump expands renewable project bans over cost claims

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday his administration would reject all new wind and solar power projects, intensifying his long-standing criticism of renewable energy sources.

According to Washington Examiner, the announcement signals a shift in policy, as Trump broadened his opposition from wind to include solar, blaming these technologies for rising electricity prices in several states.

Trump's statement came via a post on his Truth Social platform early Wednesday morning, where he argued that states turning heavily to wind turbines and solar installations have seen steep energy cost hikes.

Trump Calls Renewables a “Scam” on Social Media

In his post, Trump referred to wind and solar technologies as “The Scam of the Century,” asserting that their use has led to record increases in the cost of electricity and energy across the country.

“Any State that has built and relied on WINDMILLS and SOLAR for power is seeing RECORD BREAKING INCREASES IN ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY COSTS,” Trump wrote. He went on to declare that his administration “will not approve wind or farmer destroying Solar.”

This statement marked the first time Trump explicitly committed to blocking solar energy, adding it to the wind-related restrictions he’s touted previously, including during a recent international visit.

International Trip Underscores Trump’s Anti-Wind Position

In late July, while visiting Scotland, Trump repeated his long-standing objection to wind energy. At the time, he called wind turbines a “disaster” and made clear his position that no new wind farms should be constructed in the United States under his leadership.

Trump's latest remarks reflect mounting criticism within his administration of renewable energy infrastructure, which they link with trends in higher electricity prices for consumers.

Electricity costs have continued to climb in recent years, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reporting a 5.5% increase in prices over the 12 months ending in July — more than double the general inflation rate for the same period.

Rising Prices Ignite Debate Over Energy Sources

Simultaneously, wholesale electricity prices also appear to be on the rise. The PJM Interconnection, a major U.S. power grid operator, saw a 22% increase in capacity costs during its July auction, figures that suggest residential bills could go up by 1.5% to 5% during 2026.

Despite Trump’s claims, energy economists and analysts suggest that wind and solar are not the only — or even primary — drivers behind the uptick in energy prices.

Industry experts point instead to a combination of rising energy demand, particularly from data centers and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as diminishing output from conventional fossil fuel power stations.

Lagging Infrastructure Affects Renewable Growth

Another critical factor hampering energy efficiency and affordability is a lack of sufficient transmission infrastructure to bring renewable energy into the grid, experts say. Delays in integrating clean sources are contributing to pricing pressures in ways not solely attributable to renewables themselves.

Nevertheless, the Trump administration has already taken concrete policy steps that align with his remarks. Moves to phase out federal subsidies for both wind and solar projects have gained momentum under his leadership.

Renewable deployment has actually increased in areas served by PJM Interconnection, which covers parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. But that growth, analysts caution, needs more support from infrastructure upgrades to realize full cost-saving benefits.

Federal Policy Outlook Remains Uncertain

Wednesday’s announcement adds further uncertainty for businesses and states investing in renewable energy systems. Blocking new project approvals could impact plans for future solar farms and wind farms nationwide.

Trump’s administration has not yet issued formal policy documentation following his statement. At present, the declaration stands as a public position from the president, rather than a binding directive.

As energy debates continue, the administration’s stance may shape long-term federal direction on energy sourcing, costs, and environmental trends well beyond this election cycle.