Donald Trump’s Claims About Wind Power
Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States, has frequently expressed strong opinions about wind power, often casting doubt on its viability and environmental benefits. His remarks on wind energy have been a source of controversy, particularly in light of his political stance on renewable energy, climate change, and environmental regulation. In this article, we will break down some of Trump’s most notable claims about wind power, assess their accuracy, and explore the implications of his views on energy policy.
Trump’s Connection to the Fossil Fuel Industry
Donald Trump has long had ties to the fossil fuel industry, both through his political support and indirect business connections. While his personal investments in oil and gas have not been as prominent as some, his real estate developments and infrastructure projects often intersect with sectors reliant on energy-intensive practices. His presidency, however, was marked by a strong political alliance with the fossil fuel industry. He rolled back numerous environmental regulations, opened protected lands for drilling, and supported coal, oil, and natural gas as central components of U.S. energy policy. One of his most notable actions was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move praised by fossil fuel companies but criticized by environmental groups.
Trump’s political backing from the fossil fuel industry was also evident in campaign contributions and staffing choices. His 2016 campaign and presidency saw significant financial support from individuals and groups within the oil, gas, and coal sectors. Key appointments, such as Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy and Scott Pruitt as head of the EPA, were closely aligned with fossil fuel interests. These figures had records of advocating for policies that favored deregulation and expansion of fossil fuel extraction, reflecting Trump’s commitment to the industry.
The relationship between Trump and the fossil fuel industry fits into a broader pattern of political influence, where fossil fuel companies have historically been major donors to Republican campaigns. Through lobbying and campaign contributions, the industry has shaped energy policy, particularly in favor of traditional energy sources over renewables. While Trump’s personal financial ties to the sector may not be as direct as some, his administration’s policies strongly reflected the interests of fossil fuel companies, benefiting the industry throughout his tenure.
Trump’s Claims About Wind Power
Throughout his political career, Trump has made various claims about wind power that are often exaggerated or factually inaccurate. These include concerns about the impact of wind turbines on wildlife, the reliability of wind energy as a power source, and the economic cost of wind projects. Some of his most famous remarks include:
- Wind Turbines Kill Birds: Trump has repeatedly argued that wind turbines pose a threat to bird populations. He claims that the blades of wind turbines kill large numbers of birds, including eagles, a claim that has been used to criticize the environmental impact of wind energy.
Example (Trump at a rally in 2019):
“You know, the environmentalists are out there talking about how clean wind is, but they don’t tell you that these birds are being slaughtered by the thousands.”
- Wind Turbines Kill Whales: Mr. Trump has claimed that offshore wind turbines are causing unprecedented numbers of whale deaths.
Example (Trump at a rally in South Carolina 2023):
“The windmills are driving them crazy. They’re driving the whales I think a little batty and they’re washing up on shore at levels never seen before”
- Wind Power Is Too Expensive: Trump has suggested that wind power is more costly than traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas. He claims that government subsidies for wind energy are unfair to taxpayers and that wind energy is not economically viable without them.
Example (Trump at a campaign rally in 2016):
“They [wind turbines] are so expensive that they need subsidies just to survive. And even then, they don’t really work that well.”
- Wind Turbines Are Inefficient: Trump has also argued that wind turbines are not reliable and that they require too much maintenance. He often criticizes their intermittency, claiming that they produce energy only when the wind blows, making them an unreliable source of electricity.
Example (Trump in 2019):
“You know, wind doesn’t blow all the time, and when it does, it’s unreliable. It’s an expensive disaster.”
- Wind Turbine Noise Causes Cancer: Trump has stated numerous times that wind turbine noise causes cancer. There has never been any cited studies or sources on where he heard this.
Example (Trump in 2020 at Presidential debate in Nashville):
“They say the noise from windmills causes cancer.”
Conclusion
It’s pretty clear that Mr. Trump and many in his administration are anti-wind. Although some of these claims are easily dismissed, there is some merit to others.
In Part 2 of this article series, we will fact-check and provide researched responses to Mr. Trump’s claims presented here.
