Trump’s Wind Energy Crackdown Deepens With National Security Probe on Imports

Providing another jolt to its renewable energy industry, the Trump administration has opened a national security investigation into imports of wind turbines and their components. The move could further constrain the US renewable energy industry and lead to additional tariffs.

Probe Initiated Under Trade Law

According to a Federal Register notice, the Department of Commerce began the investigation on August 13, 2025, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Interestingly, this statute allows the president to curb imports deemed a threat to US national security.

The notice did not provide concrete reasons behind the probe, but the administration has requested public input on issues such as reliance on foreign supply chains, the role of government subsidies, potential predatory trade practices, and whether foreign-built turbines could be exploited for security vulnerabilities.

Officials from the Bureau of Industry and Security have so far refrained from commenting on the reasoning or scope of the review.

Part of Broader Offensive Against Wind Energy

The decision comes just days after the administration raised tariffs on steel and aluminium for hundreds of products, including wind turbines, with new duties of up to 50 percent.

President Donald Trump has been vocal and loud in his opposition to renewable energy expansion, walking the talk over the past few weeks. 

On Truth Social this week, he criticised wind and solar projects as “destroying farmland” and vowed to halt any federal approvals for them. Since taking office, Trump has already paused permitting of all wind projects on federal lands and waters and indefinitely halted new offshore wind lease sales.

Heavy US Dependence on Foreign Imports

The investigation could have significant implications for the domestic clean-energy sector, as the sector is highly dependent on influence. 

According to research firm Wood Mackenzie, the US wind industry relies heavily on imports for blades, drivetrains, and electrical systems. In 2023, wind-related equipment imports totalled USD 1.7 billion, with 41 percent sourced from Mexico, Canada, and China.

Wind turbines are not the only products facing scrutiny. The Trump administration has suggested that pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, commercial aircraft, critical minerals, and lumber could also face Section 232 reviews in the coming weeks.