The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the suspension of five major offshore wind projects along the Atlantic coast, citing national security concerns. The move marks the latest intervention in the offshore wind sector under Trump and comes as the administration simultaneously accelerates offshore oil and gas production.

Details of the Suspension

The Department of the Interior announced the suspension on Monday, affecting:

• Orsted’s Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind projects
• Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ Vineyard Wind 1
• Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind
• Equinor’s Empire Wind 1

According to the Interior Department, the Department of Defense raised concerns that the large turbine blades and reflective towers could interfere with military radar, potentially hindering the identification and tracking of threats. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized that “the prime duty of the United States government is to protect the American people.”

Federal agencies will now work with project developers and state partners to assess mitigation strategies for these national security risks.

Market Reaction and Industry Response

Shares of offshore wind companies fell sharply following the announcement. Orsted’s stock dropped more than 12%, while Dominion and Equinor also saw significant declines.

The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) criticized the move, noting that all affected projects had already undergone rigorous review by the Department of Defense with no objections. NOIA President Erik Milito called for a swift end to the suspension to prevent further disruption to the offshore wind industry.

Dominion Energy warned that the pause could impact grid reliability in Virginia, affecting military bases and data centers critical to artificial intelligence operations. The company stressed the role of offshore wind energy in supporting both technological innovation and national defense infrastructure.

Political and Environmental Context

President Trump has long expressed skepticism about wind energy, describing turbines as “ugly, costly, and inefficient.” He has prioritized fossil fuel development, particularly offshore oil and gas, over renewable energy expansion.

The administration has repeatedly paused offshore wind projects, including Orsted’s Revolution Wind project and Equinor’s Empire Wind, although some previous bans were overturned by courts or modified through negotiations with state governments.

Environmental and industry stakeholders warn that ongoing uncertainty is deterring investment and delaying renewable energy development, threatening both energy transition goals and regional economic growth. Orsted had previously raised $9.4 billion to fund U.S. projects but faced hesitation from potential partners due to the administration’s inconsistent policies.

Outlook

The suspension of these five projects underscores the Trump administration’s continued prioritization of national security and fossil fuels over renewable energy development. The outcome of this pause will have major implications for the U.S. offshore wind market, energy policy, and coastal economies along the Atlantic seaboard.