Trump Declares Emergency, Bars Some Foreign Gear From US Power Grid

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and prohibiting the use of certain foreign-made equipment in the United States' electricity grid. The White House announced the move on Wednesday, framing it as a response to what it called an "unusual and extraordinary foreign threat" from bulk-power systems that could introduce national security vulnerabilities.

The order specifically targets foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment, including critical software and digital capabilities that might pose cybersecurity or operational risks. Such items will now be barred from purchase or installation within the country. The directive also instructs the US Energy Secretary to set conditions on the continued use and operation of already-installed equipment to address any concerns identified by the administration.

In the order, Trump stated that the situation regarding the foreign supply of bulk-power system electric equipment constitutes a threat originating substantially outside the United States, affecting national security, foreign policy, and the economy.

The move is the latest in a series of US actions aimed at countering technology risks linked to China. It follows a decision by the European Commission earlier this year to exclude Chinese-made inverters from publicly funded energy projects. Additionally, last year, US experts conducting teardown inspections of certain Chinese solar power inverters reportedly discovered rogue communication devices that were not listed in product documentation.