In a move that shook up US politics, former President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of nearly $700 million in federal funding for 12 offshore wind projects across the country. Notably, nearly $500 million of this went to California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has placed high hopes on renewable energy as a key part of his plan to “green” the economy.
This decision immediately sparked a wave of fierce controversy, not only about the direction of US energy development, but also about the political battle between Trump and Newsom – who is considered one of the leading voices of the Democratic Party against him.
Trump: “Wind cannot light up America”
In his speech, Trump continued to repeat his long-standing view that wind power is “expensive, inefficient and harmful to the marine environment”. He stressed:
“We are throwing billions of dollars at these giant offshore turbines, when the country needs cheap, reliable, powerful energy from oil, gas and coal. I will not let the American people be fooled any longer.”
According to Trump, canceling this funding package will help the government “avoid waste” and focus on energy sources that he called “truly bring jobs and strength to the American economy”.
California – the biggest victim
The state of California has been the center of green energy policies, with plans to cut carbon emissions deeply and shift to wind and solar power. Gavin Newsom once confidently declared that California would become a model for the world in clean energy.
But with nearly $500 million in funding withdrawn, many offshore wind projects in California are at risk of stagnation or even bankruptcy. This not only affects thousands of jobs, but also threatens the state’s plan to move closer to its goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
Newsom immediately responded harshly:
“This is a direct blow to California’s green future. Trump is not only against clean energy, he is against the American people who need a safer and more sustainable planet.”
Politics or policy?
Many observers believe that Trump’s move is not simply about energy, but also has deep political implications. Gavin Newsom has emerged as one of the brightest faces of the Democratic Party, and there are even rumors that he could be a future presidential candidate.
Trump’s drastic cutoff of funding for projects in California is seen as a way to “cut off” his opponent’s wings right now. Notably, this move also sends a strong signal to other blue states that if they continue to oppose Trump’s traditional energy policy, they will also pay the price.
The Uncertain Future of US Wind Power
Offshore wind was once seen as a symbol of America’s transition to clean energy. But Trump’s decision shows that the road will not be smooth. Companies investing in this field are worried that without federal funding, the ability to sustain long-term projects is fragile.
The big question is: Can the US continue to lead the world in clean energy if projects are blocked at the early stages? Or will the country return to traditional energy sources under Trump?
Conclusion
By canceling nearly $700 million, nearly $500 million of which directly affects California, Trump has not only shaken up the renewable energy industry but also started a new political battle with Gavin Newsom. This decision could reshape America’s energy future for years to come – a future that is still extremely uncertain.
