Trump Order Restricts Foreign Equipment in U.S. Bulk-Power System Over Security Risks
Summary
Trump signed an order declaring a national emergency to secure the U.S. bulk-power system, restricting certain foreign-produced equipment and software deemed risky. The Energy Department has 120 days to develop implementation rules.
Key points
- The executive order declares a national emergency to protect the U.S. bulk-power system.
- It generally prohibits or conditions the purchase or installation of certain foreign-produced equipment, software, and digital capabilities found to pose significant national security risks.
- The order cites cybersecurity and operational risks, including the possibility of foreign entities exploiting vulnerabilities or using digital backdoors for remote access.
- The order responds to concerns about foreign-made equipment in U.S. energy infrastructure, including Chinese-made components.
- The Energy Department must develop implementation rules within 120 days, consulting other departments.
- The article notes that utilities found compliance with a similar 2020 executive order difficult; the Biden administration later suspended that order.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Executive order declaring a national emergency to secure the U.S. bulk-power system from certain foreign-produced equipment, software, and systems.
- Impact
- The order generally prohibits the acquisition, importation, transfer, or installation of foreign-produced bulk-power equipment determined to pose significant national security risks, or allows such activity subject to conditions. It addresses potential cybersecurity and operational risks, including remotely accessible digital backdoors. The Energy Department must develop implementation rules within 120 days.
People
Christopher WrayIdentified in the article as then-FBI Director; told Congress in 2024 that hackers prepositioning in small office and home routers had the electricity grid among their targets in a potential conflict with China.Donald TrumpSigned the executive order declaring a national emergency to secure the U.S. bulk-power system.