President Trump issued an executive order declaring a national emergency for the United States’ power system.
“Certain foreign actors are increasingly creating and exploiting vulnerabilities in the United States bulk-power system, which provides the electricity that supports our national defense, vital emergency services, critical infrastructure, and economy,” the order declares, detailing the necessity of securing the grid for the safety of the country.
“[C]ontinued United States reliance on foreign sources of bulk-power system electric equipment with these potential national security vulnerabilities also creates a supply chain vulnerability that could eliminate the supply of these products in the United States as a result of disruptions in international trade or other causes,” Trump’s order says.
The national emergency declaration bans “any acquisition, importation, transfer, or installation of any foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment,” and directs Energy Secretary Chris Wright to determine if electric equipment poses a national security risk.
Trump’s national security declaration builds upon an effort he took in April 2025 to bolster the nation’s electricity. “It is the policy of the United States to ensure the reliability, resilience, and security of the electric power grid,” last year’s order stated.
In a separate action earlier this year to secure the nation’s power grid, President Trump directed the Department of War (DOW) to “prioritize the preservation and strategic utilization of coal-based energy assets.”
“Coal generation ensures that military installations, command centers, and defense-industrial bases remain fully powered under all conditions — including natural disasters, or wartime contingencies,” the February order said. “Maintaining this capability is a matter of national security, strategic deterrence, and American energy dominance.”
