‘He’s forcing higher bills’: Trump spends billions to kill clean energy and keep coal alive
The Trump administration is reportedly spending billions of taxpayer dollars to cancel offshore wind projects while subsidizing coal energy. Critics argue these actions prioritize fossil-fuel donors over the administration's promises to lower energy costs for working-class Americans.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant shift in US energy policy and potential legal conflicts regarding the use of public funds to influence energy markets.
The Altamont Pass wind farm in Livermore, California, and stacks at the Mill Creek coal plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Composite: Getty Images The Altamont Pass wind farm in Livermore, California, and stacks at the Mill Creek coal plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Composite: Getty Images Democracy, climate and justice US news ‘He’s forcing higher bills’: Trump spends billions to kill clean energy and keep coal alive Critics accuse president of ‘fattening the wallets of his cronies’ as working Americans face higher energy rates
About this content Dharna Noor with data visuals by Andrew Witherspoon Fri 10 Jul 2026 07.30 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The Trump administration has directly spent $2.7bn of taxpayer money on its crusade against wind power while pouring $1.125bn into boosting coal, which critics say is pushing up Americans’ bills.
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