Trump halts IRA funding, initiates energy review

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to pause all disbursements from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), part of his broader energy agenda aimed at rolling back Biden-era climate policies. This action, termed 'Terminating the Green New Deal,' mandates a 90-day review of funding processes for programs like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. While the order aims to halt future funding, it is unclear if already allocated funds can be recalled, raising concerns about the impact on clean energy projects nationwide, including those benefitting Republican-led states. The move has sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers and even some Republicans, who worry about the potential job losses and disruption to ongoing projects. Trump's administration is positioning itself to promote fossil fuels, calling the previous climate initiatives a 'scam' and emphasizing a shift towards 'American energy' priorities. The implications of this executive order could significantly reshape U.S. energy policy and funding for clean technology initiatives.