Trump’s Ongoing Battle Against Wind Power: An Examination of His Bureaucratic Tactics

When Donald Trump acquired coastal land in northern Scotland to set up the Trump International Golf Links, it was already known that an offshore wind farm was in the works nearby. This golf course project was a tribute to his Scottish-American mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump. However, Trump was not just pleased about his new venture; he had strong feelings against wind power.

In an interview with BBC News in May 2006, he expressed his opposition: “I am not thrilled. I want to see the ocean; I do not want to see windmills.” This marked the beginning of his lengthy campaign against wind energy.

Fast forward to 2012, as the golf course was nearing its opening, Trump launched a major media and legal offensive against the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, warning that “tourism will suffer and the beauty of your country is in jeopardy.” He was determined to prevent the project at any cost, saying in a 2013 article that he would fight “for as long as it takes.”

As Trump’s political career took off, so did his criticisms of wind power. By 2015, he had tweeted negatively about “windmills” over 130 times. When the Aberdeen wind farm finally opened in 2018, it was a significant blow to his efforts. Yet, he continued to aggressively voice his opposition during his second term as U.S. President. In July, he reiterated his stance in Scotland, declaring, “We will not allow a windmill to be built in the United States. They’re killing us.”

Apart from his vocal opposition, Trump’s administration also enacted significant policy changes aimed at wind and solar projects. He signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that phased out tax incentives for renewables, complicating new projects on federal lands and waters. Trump continues to place restrictions, such as conducting extensive federal reviews for any proposed wind or solar initiatives—reviews that often see extensive delays and paperwork.

For instance, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, commenting on these projects, claimed they were “gargantuan, unreliable, intermittent energy projects,” arguing they held back America’s energy prominence. Just this month, his administration canceled the large Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho, revoking permits that had previously been awarded.

Interestingly, Trump’s first term saw more wind projects initiated than during President Biden’s administration, but the current energy demands—especially due to the AI data center boom—heighten the stakes. Meanwhile, average electricity bills are projected to increase by 7% annually.

Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, described Trump’s approach as a “triumph of polarization over pragmatism.” By eliminating subsidies and pushing federal mandates, he views these actions as intentionally undermining the progress of clean, renewable energy projects.

A Complicated Legislative Landscape

One of the most contentious aspects of Trump’s energy policy was the last-minute compromise in the “Big Beautiful Bill.” While it aimed to maintain renewable energy tax credits, it involved a quick phase-out strategy. Projects now must break ground by July 4, 2026, and comply with newly revised criteria for qualifying for these incentives.

As soon as the omnibus law was passed, Trump’s administration adjusted the rules to make it even tougher for developers to meet these requirements. The previous standard allowed developers to secure tax credits by merely paying 5% of the costs upfront. This was changed to require proof of “physical work of a significant nature,” adding to the bureaucratic hurdles.

Many in the industry voiced that these shifts exemplified an “America Last” energy policy. Additional foreign-sourcing regulations further complicate matters, punishing projects that utilize Chinese components, even as those supply chains dominate the renewable energy sector.

Moreover, Burgum’s Interior Department has implemented enhanced reviews for any power line transmission projects that would support wind or solar initiatives. This often results in more delays and uncertainty in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Hidden Roadblocks and Challenges

Perhaps the most insidious challenges for wind and solar projects are not always overt policy changes. Instead, they come in the form of obscure barriers—federal websites going offline, meetings being canceled, or phone calls going unanswered. “In order to permit a project, you have to interact with the federal government,” said Grumet. This complicates the process for developers, adding layers of difficulty when they are so close to getting approvals.

Moreover, there’s the issue of environment and aesthetics. While Trump has labeled windmills a “green energy scam,” pointing fingers at their impact on wildlife, evidence shows that fossil fuel pollution poses a far greater threat to both health and species extinction than wind farms.

Despite the challenges and roadblocks faced by the renewable sector, it is essential to note that the movement towards a cleaner and more efficient energy landscape continues. Whether through wind, solar, or other innovations, the momentum for a low-carbon future will persist, regardless of political opposition.

As we look to the future, one thing remains clear: while Trump’s battle against wind power may complicate the landscape, it cannot alter the inevitable shift towards sustainable energy in America.

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Original Text – https://fortune.com/2025/08/22/trump-war-wind-way-beyond-tax-credits/