Trump orders ban on some foreign grid equipment over security risks
What's next: The Energy Department has 120 days to write rules, and the order could tighten already strained supplies of transformers and other gear.
President Donald Trump signed an emergency order Aug. 26 to block the purchase, import and installation of some foreign-made transformers and other bulk-power equipment tied to cybersecurity or operational risks on the U.S. electric grid. The directive gives Energy Secretary Chris Wright authority to restrict covered hardware and associated software and to recommend changes for equipment already in use. Trump cited national security concerns that foreign adversaries could exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure as demand for electricity rises from advanced manufacturing, data centers, artificial intelligence and defense production. The order does not cover local power distribution facilities.