Trump admin admits canceling clean-energy grants in Harris-voting states; new tariffs imposed

The Trump administration has acknowledged in recent court documents that it canceled $7.6 billion in clean energy grants to 16 states based solely on their political alignment in the 2024 presidential election, specifically targeting states that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris. This admission, made in July 2026, contradicts previous statements from Energy Secretary Chris Wright and other officials who had asserted that the grants were terminated due to the projects not adequately advancing national energy needs or being economically unviable.

The initial cancellations, affecting hundreds of projects, were announced in October 2025 by White House budget director Russell Vought, who characterized the funding as "Green New Scam" money. States impacted by the decision include California, Colorado, New York, and Washington, among others.

Democratic lawmakers and environmental organizations have strongly criticized the administration's actions, calling it a politicization of federal funding and an abuse of power to punish states for their electoral choices. They argue that the decision undermines efforts to create jobs and advance clean energy initiatives across the nation.