The Trump administration has halted several offshore wind projects along the East Coast, including the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the largest of its kind in the United States, citing national security concerns, according to federal officials.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the pause followed Pentagon warnings that wind turbines could interfere with military radar systems.
NEW: Effective immediately, leases for all large-scale offshore wind projects being constructed in the United States will be paused due to national security concerns. pic.twitter.com/piQXsqYhR5
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 22, 2025
The decision affects projects developed by Dominion Energy, Orsted, and Equinor. Dominion shares fell more than 4 percent, while Orsted stock dropped sharply.
Dominion said the Virginia project is critical to grid reliability, especially as energy demand rises from data centers and artificial intelligence. The Interior Department said the pause will allow time to assess and reduce security risks.
🚨Due to national security concerns identified by @DeptofWar, @Interior is PAUSING leases for 5 expensive, unreliable, heavily subsidized offshore wind farms!
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) December 22, 2025
ONE natural gas pipeline supplies as much energy as these 5 projects COMBINED. @POTUS is bringing common sense back to…
President Donald Trump ordered a broader freeze on new wind permits earlier this year. Democrats criticized the move, while the administration defended it as necessary for national defense.
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TIPP Staff
