Wind energy has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and it has seen immense growth and development in the past 50 years. It is the largest source of renewable energy in the U.S., currently making up over 10% of our electricity generation. In 2024, it “avoided 351 million metric tons of CO2 emissions,” according to the American Clean Power Association. It doesn’t emit carbon or air pollutants and it offsets the carbon footprint of its manufacture in six months of use. Clearly, wind energy is a no-brainer. Yet, President Donald Trump’s recent actions threaten its future. 

Trump has disliked wind turbines ever since he learned in 2012 that they were to be placed offshore of his golf course in Scotland. Recently, he has ramped up his resistance with federal attacks to current and future projects and he has spewed erroneous claims that attempt to delegitimize the renewable energy source. His offenses may be too numerous to count, but there are some that are particularly dangerous. 

On his first day back in office, Trump declared a national energy emergency which, while warranted, entirely ignored the immense potential of renewable energy. Instead, it suspended environmental regulations to advance fossil fuels. He also revoked multiple climate-focused orders from the Biden administration, including one that sought to double offshore wind production by 2030. 

In addition, he temporarily blocked leasing of area for offshore wind farms on the Outer Continental Shelf, the region of 1.7 billion acres surrounding U.S. coasts. In July, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management followed suit and permanently rescinded designated coastal Wind Energy Areas on the OCS. This effectively stops new wind farms from being developed. At the same time, only two days ago, Trump offered up 13.1 million acres for mining what he calls “clean, beautiful coal,” despite it being the dirtiest of all  fossil fuels. 

The most high-profile of his executive actions surrounding the climate is likely his second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, an international climate accord that outlines a plan to combat the global climate crisis. This landmark decision distances the U.S. from any sort of climate solution, including the development of renewables. 

These attempts to steer the national focus away from clean energy and climate awareness, despite the dire need for energy transition, are alarming. With slogans like “drill, baby, drill,” Trump shamelessly disregards the reality that fossil fuels are responsible for 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions, which are the forces driving climate change. Wind energy is the logical step toward carbon-neutrality, yet Trump persists in his grudge against them.  

His executive actions are only half of his battle, though; the other is waged through manipulating public perception. Take Revolution Wind, for example, an offshore wind farm that is 80% built and ready to supply power to 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island starting in the spring. Despite permitting, thorough ecological assessments and a sign-off from the Pentagon, it received a federal stop-work order in August that cited unspecified threats to national security. A judge ruled last week that work could proceed, but the damage had already been done. Trump’s sabotage to this project and others like it, even if derailed, dissuades future investors with the impression that renewable energy projects are volatile and unreliable. 

Furthermore, Trump’s words alone have also tarnished the image of wind energy. He has repeatedly claimed that wind turbines are responsible for killing whales. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this according to NOAA. He also claimed that the noise from wind turbines causes cancer, yet the American Cancer Society has said they are “unaware of any credible evidence” to suggest this. 

His words only serve to foster negative opinions and doubt about wind energy, and unfortunately, this puts it in jeopardy. Yet the truth cannot be denied: renewable energy is the gateway to a sustainable future. Trump’s baseless attacks and misinformation must end.