Shutdown politics and energy cuts: Media outlets in the US reported that the energy and transportation departments’ decisions are part of the White House’s strategy to pressure democrats into striking a deal to reopen the government. Trump had warned of job cuts, department slashes, and an aggressive push for conservative policies. He has blamed Democrats …
Trump Administration Freezes Clean Energy and Infrastructure Projects
- The Trump administration terminated hundreds of clean energy projects and froze billions of dollars in infrastructure funds.
- Democratic leaders criticise the ongoing government shutdown, while state officials call it political retaliation.
Shutdown politics and energy cuts:
Media outlets in the US reported that the energy and transportation departments’ decisions are part of the White House’s strategy to pressure democrats into striking a deal to reopen the government.
Trump had warned of job cuts, department slashes, and an aggressive push for conservative policies. He has blamed Democrats for the funding standoff in Congress.
On Thursday, the Department of Energy declared, “The termination of 321 financial awards supporting 223 projects, resulting in a savings of approximately $7.56 billion for American taxpayers.”
The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations runs these projects. The agencies argued that “they did not adequately advance the nation’s energy needs.”
However, funding recipients have 30 days to appeal, and many are already challenging the cuts.
Accusations of political targeting:
The Head of the Office of Management and Budget defended the move on social media. He called the programs “Green New Scam funding” that fueled “the Left’s climate agenda.”
Notably, the states affected include California, New York, and 14 others, all Democratic strongholds where Trump lost in the 2024 elections.
California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly condemned the cuts. He said the decision included canceling “up to $1.2bn” for a major hydrogen energy project, threatening thousands of jobs.
Newsom said, “In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common sense be damned.” He vowed to continue “California’s clean energy strategy, no matter what DC tries to dictate.”
New York projects in jeopardy:
The Department of Transportation announced it was freezing nearly $18 billion for two high-profile projects, including the Second Avenue subway expansion and the Hudson Tunnel.
The department said the freeze was linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies that allegedly imposed unconstitutional, “race- and sex-based contracting requirements.”
The statement read, “Thanks to the Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries shutdown, however, USDOT’s review of New York’s unconstitutional practices will take more time.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Halting funding for critical infrastructure projects was political payback and an attack on New York. Donald Trump has been clear: he is intent on using his reckless government shutdown to hurt the American people.”
