Trump Signs Order to Secure Power Grid From Foreign Equipment

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on August 26, 2026, to secure the United States' bulk power system, signing an executive order that prohibits the purchase, importation, and installation of certain foreign-made electric grid equipment deemed to pose a national security risk. The order targets equipment and software from foreign entities that could contain vulnerabilities, such as digital backdoors, allowing for potential sabotage or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure.

The executive order, titled "Declaring a National Energy Emergency to Secure the United States BulkPower System," cites malicious cyber activities and the growing dependence on stable electricity for national defense, emergency services, and the economy. The White House stated that the order is a response to the risk that foreign-produced equipment could be exploited by hostile actors, potentially leading to catastrophic disruptions. The order applies to the bulk power system, which includes high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and power plants, but does not cover facilities used for local distribution of electricity.

The order directs the Energy Department to identify and...