Trump Order Declares National Emergency to Block Foreign Backdoors in US Power Grid

Executive Order Addresses Grid Vulnerabilities

President Trump issued Executive Order 14420, declaring a national emergency to mitigate vulnerabilities in the United States’ bulk power system. The order specifically targets risks arising from foreign-supplied electrical equipment. This action is attributed to the rapid growth in data centers, AI, advanced manufacturing, and defense production, which increases dependence on grid reliability.

Scope of Prohibited Equipment

The order covers critical infrastructure operating bulk-power system transmission lines rated at 69 kilovolts or higher, but excludes local electricity distribution facilities. Targeted technologies include transformers, inverters, energy storage systems, industrial control systems (ICS) like RTUs, PLCs, and safety systems, along with associated firmware, software, and remote access capabilities.

After August 26, 2026, any acquisition, import, transfer, or installation of foreign-produced bulk-power equipment is prohibited if it involves designated entities. Restrictions apply to hardware or software deemed to pose risks of sabotage, unauthorized access, malicious remote operation, or supply disruption.

Mitigating Existing and Future Risks

For equipment installed prior to the new executive order, the Energy Department can mandate security controls. Following consultation with defense and intelligence leaders, it can require grid operators to identify, isolate, monitor, secure, disconnect, or replace certain components to neutralize operational threats, while ensuring service continuity and safety.

To support ongoing grid operations, energy authorities may negotiate mitigation agreements or publish an official list of pre-qualified equipment and vendors exempt from the baseline prohibitions.

Context and Precedent

While the order does not name specific countries, its structure mirrors a 2020 Trump-era bulk-power order that led to a DOE prohibition explicitly targeting entities associated with China. That previous prohibition was later revoked following a Biden administration review. This directive shifts focus towards mitigating upstream supply chain risks and embedded hardware backdoors, rather than solely active intrusions.