PRESIDENT Trump issued Executive Order 14420, declaring a national emergency to address vulnerabilities in the U.S. bulk power system due to foreign-supplied equipment. The order targets critical infrastructure such as transformers, inverters, and industrial control systems, and prohibits the acquisition and installation of certain foreign equipment starting August 26, 2026. This measure aims to mitigate risks from potential supply chain disruptions and embedded hardware backdoors.
The Energy Department may also require security measures for existing equipment. The order follows concerns about foreign interference, notably from China, although no specific countries were mentioned.