By Jamie Martin
The national conversation over renewable energy has sharpened following new remarks from President Donald Trump and a major policy change by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Federal data released this week showed solar power is on track to provide more than half of all new electricity grid installations in the U.S. during 2025. Despite this growth, Trump repeated his opposition to renewable energy projects, specifically targeting wind and solar.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that no wind or “farmer destroying” solar projects would be approved under his leadership. His comments coincided with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ announcement that the USDA will rescind all existing programs that supported the construction of solar panels on farmland.
Trump also linked renewables to rising electricity prices, calling wind and solar the “scam of the century.” His position aligns with concerns from some farm groups who believe that solar projects compete with agricultural land use.
Still, supporters of renewable energy highlight the opportunities it creates for farmers, including additional revenue streams, job creation, and lower long-term energy costs. The federal data reflects strong national momentum toward renewable energy, with solar now leading all other sources in new capacity growth.
This clash of perspectives highlights the crossroads in U.S. energy policy. While renewable projects continue to expand rapidly, debates over their costs, land impact, and long-term benefits remain central to the future of both farming and energy in America.
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Categories: National