It's difficult to understand Donald Trump's staunch opposition to sustainable energy except from the perspective of economic interests. It's not just an ideological issue: his decisions are having a very negative economic, environmental, and strategic impact on the United States. And as the saying goes, there's none so blind as those who will not see.
Since returning to power, Trump has done everything possible to halt, delay, or cancel renewable energy projects approved during Joe Biden's administration. Many of these projects were already underway, with billions of dollars committed and thousands of jobs associated with them. Stopping them doesn't come without a price: it involves compensation, legal uncertainty, and a loss of investor confidence.
One of the most repeated arguments by the Trump administration is that certain solar or wind energy projects jeopardize national security. This is a striking argument, considering that these same projects were previously evaluated and approved by federal agencies without detecting any real threats.
The feeling is clear: national security is being used as a political pretext to block initiatives that clash with the interests of certain lobbying groups, especially those linked to fossil fuels.
Trump has also publicly stated that renewable energy is more expensive. This argument is no longer hold up.
According to widely accepted international data, solar and wind energy are the cheapest to produce in most countries of the world. This is precisely why they are being installed at a rapid pace in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
The United States, paradoxically, risks becoming an exception, not due to a lack of technology or resources, but due to political decisions.
The consequences of this delay do not affect everyone equally. Citizens with fewer resources will be the most affected: more expensive energy, more pollution, and greater vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The wealthy, as always, are protected. If energy prices rise, they can afford it. If the climate becomes unbearable, they can relocate. Money is an excellent safety net against adversity. But that safety net doesn't exist for most people.
Perhaps the most worrying aspect is the strategic gap that is developing with respect to China. While the United States is hindering renewable energy projects, China is leading a true energy revolution: it dominates the manufacturing of solar panels, batteries, smart grids, and electric vehicles.
With each passing year, the gap widens. And when the United States decides to react, it may be too late.
It's not ignorance; it's self-interest. I don't believe that Trump or his inner circle are naive or incapable of understanding what's at stake. Quite simply, their economic interests take precedence over the public good. It's that simple.
The energy decisions being made today will shape the future of the United States for decades. This part of history will undoubtedly be analyzed with greater perspective in a few years. And it probably won't reflect well on those who chose to look the other way.
But that's life.
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