Trump Administration Halts Construction of Rhode Island Offshore Wind Farm Over National Security Concerns

The U.S. government has mandated a halt to construction on a nearly completed wind farm situated off Rhode Island’s coast.

In a letter addressed to one of the project developers, Danish firm Ørsted, the acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Matthew Giacona, stated that the government is suspending work on the imminent Revolution Wind project due to “concerns regarding the protection of U.S. national security interests.” Global Infrastructure Partners is also involved in the development of this project.

This move marks another instance of the Trump administration’s efforts to impede the growth of America’s renewable energy sector. Earlier in January, President Trump issued a moratorium on new offshore wind projects and more recently, the Internal Revenue Service introduced guidelines that make it harder for companies building wind and solar projects to qualify for federal tax incentives. Additionally, the Commerce Department is examining whether wind turbine and component imports pose a threat to national security.

Ørsted has stated they are reviewing potential solutions to expeditiously resolve this matter, including legal action.

Located 15 miles south of Rhode Island in federal waters, Revolution Wind’s construction began in 2023. The project is scheduled to commence power distribution to homes and businesses in Rhode Island and Connecticut starting next year.

Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), expressed concern that any delays or uncertainties at this stage could impact jobs, contracts, and communities associated with the project. He asserted that America needs diverse energy sources, including wind, to meet its escalating energy demands.

The BOEM did not respond to requests for comment.

Analysts predict that hindering renewable energy development in response to growing electricity demand could lead to increased power prices across the nation. Jason Grumet, CEO of American Clean Power, expressed similar sentiments in response to the Trump administration’s order to halt Revolution Wind.

In April, the Interior Department temporarily ceased work on an offshore wind project along Long Island’s coast. At that time, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wrote a letter to BOEM stating that the approval of the Empire Wind project was rushed through by the previous administration without adequate analysis. Construction resumed on the project in May when the Trump administration lifted the stop-work order, but the delay caused significant financial losses for the Norwegian developer Equinor.

Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network, an advocacy group for offshore wind, criticized the halt on Revolution Wind, asserting that it jeopardizes investor confidence in the U.S. market and obstructs progress on shared national priorities such as port investments, shipyard revitalization, and energy independence. She further argued that this decision would drive up energy costs for consumers, affect Gulf Coast vessel operators who have invested heavily in new or retrofitted vessels, and potentially endanger the livelihoods of union workers.