Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Trump Bans Foreign Power Equipment Over National Security Risks
The government says some foreign-made equipment could make America’s electricity network less safe.
President Donald Trump’s administration declared a national emergency over this concern.
The order blocks certain foreign equipment and software used in the bulk-power system.
This system supplies electricity to important places such as factories, defense facilities, artificial intelligence centers, and emergency services.
The rules focus on equipment that could allow unauthorized access or damage to the power network.
Local electric distribution facilities serving communities are exempt.
The Department of Energy can also set rules for foreign equipment already in use.
Officials must try to protect security without causing power outages or shortages of replacement parts.
The Trump administration declared a national emergency concerning threats to the United States bulk-power system.
The order restricts foreign-produced bulk-power equipment and integrated software deemed to pose operational or cybersecurity risks.
It targets transactions involving foreign nationals that could enable unauthorized access or physical disruption.
Facilities used solely for local electric distribution are exempt from the restrictions.
The Department of Energy may impose conditions on existing foreign equipment while considering grid stability, safety, parts availability, and service continuity.
- Who
- The Trump administration, the Department of Energy, and foreign actors involved in potentially risky equipment transactions.
- What
- A national emergency declaration restricts certain foreign-produced equipment and software used in the United States bulk-power system.
- When
- The order was issued during an administration-wide series of measures described as occurring throughout 2025 and 2026.
- Where
- The United States bulk-power system, including substations and control centers.
- Why
- To address alleged foreign exploitation of vulnerabilities that could enable unauthorized access, physical disruption, or wider threats to critical infrastructure.
- Legal authorities
- The order invokes the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act.
- Restricted items
- Certain foreign-produced bulk-power equipment and integrated digital software.
- Targeted risks
- Unauthorized system access, physical disruption, and broader critical-infrastructure threats.
- Exemption
- Facilities designated solely for local electric distribution are excluded.
- Enforcement agency
- The Department of Energy is authorized to regulate existing foreign components.
- Implementation factors
- Rules must account for national security, grid stability, safety, parts availability, and continuity of service.
- Follow-up duties
- Energy officials must identify remaining supply-chain risks and propose mitigation strategies to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.