Trump Administration Cancels $7.56 Billion in Biden's "Green New Scam" Projects

The Department of Energy announced Wednesday the termination of $7.56 billion in funding for 223 energy projects, fulfilling President Donald Trump's campaign pledge to eliminate what he termed the "Green New Scam" by rescinding awards deemed economically unviable and misaligned with national energy priorities. Nearly 30% of the grants and loans, totaling about $2.3 billion, were issued in the final weeks of the Biden administration after the November 2024 election, part of a documented rush to obligate funds before the January 20, 2025, transition.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the cancellations stem from a Day One review of billions in awards, many rushed through with inadequate documentation. "President Trump promised to protect taxpayer dollars and expand America’s supply of affordable, reliable, and secure energy. Today’s cancellations deliver on that commitment," Wright said. "Rest assured, the Energy Department will continue reviewing awards to ensure that every dollar works for the American people."

The terminated projects, disbursed by DOE offices focused on clean and renewable energy, included solar farms in California, wind turbine expansions in the Midwest, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure in urban areas—initiatives the DOE assessed as failing to advance energy independence or provide positive returns. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought highlighted the move on X: "Nearly $8 billion in Green New Scam funding to fuel the Left’s climate agenda" has been halted, emphasizing scrutiny of awards lacking "reasonable business standard" vetting.

During his 2024 campaign, President Trump repeatedly criticized Biden's energy policies for subsidizing intermittent green sources at taxpayer expense, promising to redirect resources toward fossil fuels and nuclear power. The Biden administration's Loan Programs Office (LPO) obligated over $40 billion in loans and grants from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and 2022 Inflation Reduction Act in its final months, with $15 billion approved post-election, per DOE records. Critics, including a September 2025 Government Accountability Office report, noted accelerated timelines bypassed standard economic analyses, potentially locking in commitments under new leadership.

The DOE's action aligns with Executive Order 14008's reversal, which Biden used to prioritize climate initiatives totaling $1.2 trillion over a decade. Wright directed LPO reviews in February 2025, identifying 150+ projects for potential clawback, with Wednesday's cuts representing the largest single tranche. Ongoing audits target an additional $20 billion in similar awards, focusing on viability and alignment with domestic production goals.