Amid skyrocketing oil prices linked to the conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, former President Donald Trump is maintaining his strong opposition to wind energy.

This stance appears rooted in long-standing opposition, tracing back to 2006 when Trump acquired a seaside property in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and faced opposition regarding planned golf course development.

Administration Actions Against Offshore Wind Development

The administration recently finalized an agreement requiring French energy company TotalEnergies to forfeit nearly $1 billion in planned investments.

This payoff secures TotalEnergies' commitment to abandon offshore wind energy projects planned off the coasts of North Carolina and New York. Instead, the company will focus on investing in U.S. natural gas and oil development.

Interior Department Hails Agreement as an Energy Win

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum framed the deal as a victory for American consumers. He stated, “This agreement is yet another win for President Trump’s commitment to affordable and reliable energy for all Americans.”

However, critics argue this move occurs while the U.S. faces a potential energy crisis. They point out that energy costs are rising, partly due to the massive power demands from data centers supporting artificial intelligence.

Expert Criticism of Renewable Energy Stifling

Erin Baker, a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, voiced strong disapproval of halting renewable projects.

She argued, “They’re using taxpayer dollars to increase energy costs and decrease our energy security.” Baker added that stopping low-cost, clean energy projects that do not contribute to climate change is counterproductive.

Broader Efforts to Hinder Wind Power

The TotalEnergies settlement is just the latest in a series of actions targeting the wind sector. Late last year, the administration attempted to halt several ongoing offshore wind projects.

Failed Attempt to Stop Revolution Wind

One notable instance involved an attempt to stop the Revolution Wind project, designed to supply power to over 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island. The administration cited national security concerns as justification for halting the project.

A federal judge ultimately rejected the government’s claims, ruling that the national security concerns were unsubstantiated, allowing the project to proceed.

Impact on U.S. Energy Leadership and Innovation

Despite these obstacles, the wind power industry continues to expand, although Trump’s actions create significant hurdles. The solar and battery industries are also experiencing growth, facing fewer roadblocks than wind energy.

Professor Baker noted that even with federal opposition, wind, solar, and battery capacity grew significantly in 2025, adding 50 gigawatts in the U.S.

Shifting Global Focus Away from the U.S. Market

Julie K. Lundquist, a distinguished professor of atmospheric science and wind energy at Johns Hopkins University, believes the real casualty is U.S. energy development. She suggests these actions make the American market less appealing to wind energy companies.

Lundquist stated, “A lot of companies are focusing on markets outside of the United States. There’s attention going away from the U.S. market.” She warned that the U.S. risks forfeiting leadership in cutting-edge energy industries to other nations.

Furthermore, if engineers and scientists do not see a viable future for innovation in the U.S., they will pursue their work internationally. Lundquist mentioned that European colleagues express sympathy but also bewilderment at the rapid, negative shift in U.S. energy policy.

Conclusion: Jeopardizing Energy Security for Personal Vendettas

While the wind industry may survive these efforts, the harm to development, jobs, and long-term energy strategy is real. Experts suggest that supporting cheap, reliable, domestic energy sources is crucial, especially as oil prices are projected to potentially reach $200 per barrel.

The administration’s actions appear driven by a persistent desire to undermine the industry that once threatened the view from one of Trump’s golf properties decades ago.