The White House is taking aim at the giant machines spinning across American farmland and coastlines, this time through trade law.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, that could limit imports of wind turbines and their parts into the United States, citing national security.
What does the proclamation on wind turbines do?
The proclamation directs U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to negotiate with several countries over concerns about imported turbines and report back on the results within 180 days. The countries were not identified in initial reports.
It follows a Commerce Department investigation. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick concluded that wind turbines and their components are being imported under circumstances that threaten to impair national security, according to the proclamation.
The proclamation did not immediately impose new tariffs. Under the law, the president can take further action if negotiations do not produce an agreement. Options could include tariffs, quotas or other import limits.
What security concerns does the order cite?
The negotiations are meant to address potential cybersecurity threats in turbine components and the country’s heavy reliance on foreign companies for turbine manufacturing. Officials have raised concerns that connected equipment made overseas could be used to disrupt or monitor the grid.
They also cover how the stop and start nature of wind power affects the electric grid, and radar interference from large turbines. The proclamation says that interference can cause problems for air traffic control, weather forecasting, homeland security and military missions. Turbine blades can reflect radar signals and create clutter that makes it harder to track aircraft and storms.
What law is Trump using?
The order relies on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which lets the president restrict imports that threaten national security. Congress granted the power during the Cold War, and presidents of both parties have used it, though rarely as often as in recent years.
Trump has used the same authority to impose tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automobiles. Commerce opened its investigation into wind turbines in August 2025.
Wind turbines and many of their parts were already subject to a 50% tariff after Commerce added them last year to a list of products covered by steel and aluminum duties.
Where do U.S. wind turbines come from?
The United States imported about $1.8 billion worth of wind turbines and parts in 2024, according to the American Action Forum, a policy group. Top sources included Mexico, France, India, Denmark and Germany. Imports climbed sharply in the first half of 2025, nearly doubling from a year earlier, according to an industry analysis.
Many key components, including blades, drivetrains and electrical systems, are largely made abroad. Domestic manufacturing exists but cannot yet meet demand for every component.
How could this affect the wind industry?
Wind power generates roughly a tenth of the country’s electricity. Industry advocates and some economists warn that new trade barriers could raise costs for projects and slow the growth of renewable energy. Wind is a major power source in states such as Texas, Iowa and Oklahoma.
Supporters of the move say reducing dependence on foreign suppliers protects critical infrastructure and national security, especially for equipment connected to the power grid. The administration argues that wind power is unreliable and expensive.
The order is the latest in a series of steps against wind energy. The administration has paused offshore wind leasing, halted some projects and cut back federal tax credits for wind.
What happens to imports of wind turbines may depend on the outcome of talks over the next six months. Developers with projects already under construction will be watching closely.
