WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy said Wednesday it plans to cancel more than $13 billion in funding previously pledged by the Biden administration to support wind, solar, battery storage and electric vehicle projects, marking a major shift in federal energy policy under President Donald Trump.
The department did not specify which programs or grants would be affected and did not immediately respond to requests for additional details. In a statement, the Energy Department said the move is intended to return money to taxpayers and refocus federal energy policy.
“By returning these funds to the American taxpayer, the Trump administration is affirming its commitment to advancing more affordable, reliable and secure American energy and being more responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” the department said.
The decision drew sharp criticism from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who warned that the United States risks surrendering clean energy leadership to China. California, the nation’s most populous state, has some of the world’s most aggressive clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets.
“President Xi has a lot to applaud,” Newsom said during a New York Times climate event, adding that Chinese President Xi Jinping would welcome Trump’s stance. Trump has said he plans to meet with Xi in the coming weeks.
The announcement follows Trump’s remarks this week at the United Nations General Assembly, where he again dismissed climate change as “the greatest con job” and criticized global environmental initiatives and multilateral institutions.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pushed to expand oil and gas production — already at record levels — while seeking to roll back subsidies for renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright referenced the planned cancellations earlier Wednesday at a news conference in New York, saying the administration believes climate risks have been overstated, leading to massive spending with limited benefits.
“Many countries and international institutions have gotten wildly off track on climate change,” Wright said.
Industry advocates warn the policy shift could have economic consequences. A study released last week by environmental group E2 found that jobs in solar, wind and other clean energy sectors grew three times faster than the overall U.S. workforce in 2024, and said many positions could be at risk if renewable investments are curtailed.
Wright also said he does not currently plan to attend U.N. climate talks in Brazil in November, though he left open the possibility of participating.
The proposed funding cuts underscore the administration’s broader effort to reshape U.S. energy policy away from renewables and toward fossil fuel development, a move likely to face continued opposition from states, industry groups and environmental advocates.
SALT SAYS SOMALI-OWNED BUSINESSES HAVE RECENTLY LOST CUSTOMERS AND BLAMES FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP’S RHETORIC. 
Leaders from the Somali American Leadership Taskforce say recent political rhetoric has led to declining customer traffic at Somali-owned businesses across the Twin Cities.
Members of the Somali American Leadership Taskforce (SALT) say their community is experiencing growing economic strain, reporting a noticeable drop in customer activity at Somali-owned grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers over the past two weeks.
According to SALT representatives, the downturn appears to coincide with heightened national political rhetoric, which they describe as inflammatory and harmful to community relations. Business owners say foot traffic has slowed significantly, with some reporting reduced sales and canceled orders.
“This is not just about politics—it’s about livelihoods,” one community leader said. “Small businesses are feeling the consequences in real time.”
SALT leaders argue that the climate of fear and uncertainty has discouraged customers from visiting Somali-owned establishments, even those that have served their neighborhoods for decades. They stress that these businesses are deeply embedded in local economies, employing workers and providing essential services.
Community advocates are calling for calmer rhetoric and greater focus on unity, warning that prolonged economic pressure could force some businesses to shut down.
Local officials have not yet released data verifying the scale of the economic impact, but multiple business owners confirmed a decline in activity.
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