Trump Declares National Emergency to Lock Foreign Equipment Out of the U.S. Power Grid

President Trump signed an executive order on August 26 declaring a national emergency to protect the U.S. bulk power system. This order blocks the purchase of foreign-produced bulk-power grid equipment, citing an unusual and extraordinary threat to national security. Energy Secretary Chris Wright will coordinate with officials to identify specific equipment, including substations and transformers, that pose risks. The Energy Department is expected to establish formal rules before the end of the year to implement these restrictions.