Trump’s Renewable Ban

President Donald Trump said his administration will not approve solar and wind projects.

Renewable executives say blocking solar and wind projects will worsen a power supply shortage, harming the grid and leading to higher prices.

The industry is facing difficulty getting permits, rising costs due to tariffs, and the end of key tax credits.

Shares in wind farm developer Orsted lost ground on Monday.

The U.S. government last week ordered the company to halt construction of an almost completed project.

President Donald Trump’s attack on solar and wind projects threatens to raise energy prices for consumers and undermine a stretched electric grid that’s already straining to meet rapidly growing demand, renewable energy executives warn.

Trump has long said wind power turbines are unattractive and endanger birds, and that solar installations take up too much land. This week, he said his administration will not approve solar and wind projects, the latest salvo in a campaign the president has waged against the renewable energy industry since taking office.

“We will not approve wind or farmer destroying Solar,” Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday. “The days of stupidity are over in the USA!!!”

The red tape at the Interior Department and rising costs from Trump’s copper and steel tariffs have created market instability that makes planning difficult, the renewable executives said.

Shares in wind farm developer Orsted tumbled soon as trading kicked off on Monday after the U.S. government ordered the company to halt construction of a nearly completed project.

By mid-morning, the company’s shares were around 17% lower, with shares hitting a record low according to LSEG data.

Late on Friday the U.S.′ Bureau of Ocean Energy Management had issued a stop-work order for the Revolution Wind Project off of Rhode Island. According to Orsted, the project is 80% complete and 45 out of 65 wind turbines have been installed.

How Trump's move to block solar and wind could hit your energy bills and the electric grid. President Donald Trump’s announcement to stop approving solar and wind projects is shaking the renewable energy sector. This short news explainer breaks down how permit delays, tariffs, ending tax credits, and the recent stop-work order on Orsted’s Revolution Wind project could worsen power shortages, strain the grid, and push energy prices higher for consumers. Hear why renewable executives warn of market instability and what this means for homeowners and policymakers. Like and share this video to spread awareness.

#RenewableEnergy #Trump #EnergyPrices #Solar #Wind #Orsted #RevolutionWind #GridReliability

Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'

Trump Signs 'Big, Beautiful' Bill: A Sweeping Victory for His Second-Term Agenda
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a landmark piece of legislation that represents a monumental victory for his second-term agenda. This sweeping tax and domestic policy bill not only cements the tax cuts from his first term in 2017 but also significantly bolsters border security funding, fulfilling key campaign promises. Despite fierce opposition from Democrats and resistance from a handful of GOP rebels, the bill's passage through Congress marks a pivotal moment in Trump's presidency, setting the stage for transformative changes in American fiscal and immigration policy. This essay explores the significance of the bill, its key provisions, the political battles surrounding its passage, and its broader implications for the United States.

The Bill: A Cornerstone of Trump's AgendaThe "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" is a comprehensive legislative package that encapsulates President Trump's vision for his second term. At its core, the bill makes permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which was set to expire at the end of 2025. These tax cuts, originally designed to reduce individual and corporate tax rates, have been hailed by Republicans as a catalyst for economic growth. By extending these provisions indefinitely, the bill ensures that households and businesses continue to benefit from lower taxes, with an estimated $4.5 trillion in reduced federal tax revenue over the next decade. Additionally, the legislation introduces new tax benefits, such as temporary deductions for tips, overtime pay, and interest on American-made car loans, alongside an increase in the child tax credit to $2,200 per child.Beyond tax policy, the bill allocates substantial resources to border security, a cornerstone of Trump's political platform. It provides approximately $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including $46.5 billion for border wall construction, $45 billion to expand detention facilities, and $30 billion to hire additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. These funds aim to support Trump's ambitious goal of deporting a record number of undocumented immigrants, with estimates suggesting an annual deportation target of one million individuals. The bill also imposes a $100 fee for asylum applications, a significant reduction from the $1,000 fee initially proposed, reflecting a compromise to navigate Senate reconciliation rules.Other notable provisions include significant cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the introduction of work requirements for able-bodied recipients, and the elimination of clean energy tax credits established under the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act. The bill also raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion to accommodate its fiscal impact, which the Congressional Budget Office projects will add $3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.The Political Battle: Overcoming OppositionThe passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" was far from smooth, as it faced significant hurdles in both chambers of Congress. In the Senate, the bill passed by a razor-thin 51-50 margin on July 1, 2025, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Three Republican senators—Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Rand Paul of Kentucky—voted against the bill, citing concerns over its fiscal impact and specific provisions. The Senate's use of the budget reconciliation process, which allows passage with a simple majority, was critical in bypassing the 60-vote filibuster threshold, especially given the Republicans' 53-seat majority.In the House, the bill passed on July 3, 2025, by a narrow 218-214 vote, with only two Republicans voting against it. House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leadership faced intense internal divisions, particularly over the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, which was raised from $10,000 to $40,000 to appease moderate Republicans from high-tax states like New York and New Jersey. Fiscal conservatives, such as Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, expressed concerns about the bill's contribution to the national debt, while moderates like Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania worried about the steep cuts to Medicaid.Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, unanimously opposed the bill, criticizing it as a giveaway to the wealthy that would erode healthcare and food assistance for millions of low-income Americans. Jeffries delivered a record-breaking floor speech, using his "magic minute" to denounce the bill's impact on everyday Americans. Critics, including some Democrats and policy analysts, warned that the Medicaid cuts could result in 10.6 million people losing healthcare coverage and 4.7 million losing SNAP benefits over the next decade. Even billionaire Elon Musk, a sometime ally of Trump, publicly opposed the bill, arguing that it would exacerbate the national debt.Despite these challenges, Trump's relentless advocacy, coupled with strategic concessions and intense lobbying from GOP leadership, secured the bill's passage. Trump's public statements, including his call for a "One Big Beautiful Event" at the White House on June 26, 2025, underscored the bill's importance to his legacy. Vice President Vance played a pivotal role in rallying support, emphasizing the bill's border security provisions as a means to "undo the Biden border invasion."Implications and ControversiesThe "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" has far-reaching implications for American society, economy, and politics. Economically, the bill is projected to boost long-run GDP by 1.2 percent due to its tax cuts, but the $3.3 trillion increase in the national deficit has drawn criticism from fiscal conservatives and analysts concerned about long-term fiscal stability. The tax cuts disproportionately benefit higher earners, with households earning $460,000 or more receiving average tax cuts of $61,090, compared to $150 for those earning $35,000 or less. Critics argue that this exacerbates income inequality, while supporters contend that the cuts will stimulate investment and job creation.The border security provisions, particularly the massive investment in ICE and detention facilities, have sparked intense debate. Proponents, including Trump and his allies, argue that the funding is necessary to address illegal immigration and secure the border, especially in light of Trump's campaign promises. However, critics warn that the $170 billion allocation will "supercharge" mass deportations, potentially disrupting communities and the economy while restricting access to humanitarian protections like asylum. The American Immigration Council estimates that the bill could expand detention capacity to 116,000 beds, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees and the cost-effectiveness of such measures, especially given the recent decline in border crossings.The cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, along with new work requirements, have also drawn significant backlash. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that these changes could leave millions without healthcare or food assistance, disproportionately affecting low-income families and children. The requirement that at least one parent have a Social Security number to access the child tax credit could exclude children of undocumented immigrants, further straining vulnerable communities.On the environmental front, the bill's repeal of clean energy tax credits and promotion of fossil fuels have raised alarms among climate advocates. The elimination of incentives for electric vehicles and renewable energy sources like wind and solar is seen as a setback for efforts to combat climate change, particularly as global competitors like China continue to invest heavily in green technology.ConclusionThe signing of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" on July 4, 2025, marks a defining moment in President Donald Trump's second term. By cementing his 2017 tax cuts and significantly increasing funding for border security, the bill delivers on key campaign promises and reinforces Trump's vision of a stronger, more secure America. However, its passage came at a cost, both politically and fiscally, as it deepened divisions within the Republican Party and drew fierce opposition from Democrats and some unexpected critics like Elon Musk.The bill's long-term impact remains uncertain. While it may stimulate economic growth in the short term, its contribution to the national debt and cuts to social programs could Sport programs like Medicaid and SNAP could disproportionately harm low-income Americans, and the immigration provisions raise ethical and economic concerns. As the nation grapples with these changes, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" stands as a testament to Trump's ability to navigate political challenges and advance his agenda, but it also underscores the deep divisions that continue to shape American politics. Whether it ushers in the "New Golden Age" promised by Trump or exacerbates inequality and social tensions, only time will tell.

Trump Tariffs 2025 /Key Features Unveiled

In 2025, the Trump administration has implemented a series of tariffs and trade barriers as part of a broader "America First" trade policy aimed at reshaping U.S. economic relationships with the rest of the world. These measures, which escalated significantly in the second Trump presidency, reflect a protectionist approach to address perceived trade imbalances, protect American industries, and incentivize domestic manufacturing. 

Below is an overview of the basics of these tariffs and trade barriers as they stand on April 4, 2025.

Key Features of Trump Tariffs in 2025

Reciprocal Tariffs:

On April 2, 2025—dubbed "Liberation Day" by President Trump—the administration announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S., effective April 5, 2025. This applies to nearly all trading partners unless otherwise exempted.

Higher "reciprocal" tariffs were introduced for dozens of countries, effective April 9, 2025, with rates tailored to reflect perceived trade barriers imposed on U.S. goods. For example:

China faces a 34% tariff on top of an existing 20%, resulting in a 54% total rate.

The European Union faces a 20% tariff.

Japan faces a 24% tariff.

The stated goal is to mirror the tariffs and non-tariff barriers (like subsidies or regulations) that other countries impose on American exports, though the calculation method has been criticized as oversimplified—often based on trade deficits rather than precise barrier equivalence.

Targeted Sector-Specific Tariffs:

Steel and Aluminum: A 25% tariff on global steel and aluminum imports went into effect on March 12, 2025, with no country exemptions, aimed at bolstering domestic production.

Automobiles: On April 3, 2025, a 25% tariff was imposed on all imported cars, including those from Canada and Mexico, extending to non-U.S. content in domestically assembled vehicles by May 3, 2025.

Canada, Mexico, and China: Earlier in the year, on March 4, 2025, a 25% tariff was placed on all imports from Canada and Mexico (with Canadian energy at 10%), and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, driven by concerns over fentanyl trafficking and border security.

Legal Authority:

These tariffs are enabled by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), with Trump declaring a national emergency on April 2, 2025, citing "large and persistent U.S. goods trade deficits" as a threat to national security and the economy. This expands his ability to impose tariffs unilaterally, bypassing Congress.

Objectives

Reduce Trade Deficits: The administration aims to drive bilateral trade deficits to zero by discouraging imports and encouraging U.S. exports or domestic production.

Protect American Jobs: Tariffs are intended to shield industries like steel, auto manufacturing, and agriculture from foreign competition, bringing jobs and production back to the U.S.

Negotiating Leverage: Trump has framed tariffs as a tool to force other countries to lower their own trade barriers, though he’s suggested flexibility in negotiations, stating on April 2, 2025, that the U.S. could "be nicer" than full reciprocity.

Economic Scope

The tariffs affect over $1.4 trillion in imports by April 2025, a sharp increase from the $380 billion impacted during Trump’s first term.

Imports are projected to drop by more than $900 billion in 2025 (a 28% reduction), with the average U.S. tariff rate rising from 2.5% in 2024 to 18.8%—the highest since 1933.

Trade Barriers Beyond Tariffs

Non-Tariff Measures: The administration has highlighted non-tariff barriers—like foreign subsidies, value-added taxes (VAT), and currency manipulation—as justification for higher reciprocal rates. However, the exact translation of these into tariff rates remains opaque.

Retaliation: Countries like China, the EU, and Canada have promised countermeasures, such as tariffs on U.S. exports (e.g., EU plans targeting €26 billion in U.S. goods), potentially escalating into a broader trade war.

Impacts and Controversies

Consumer Prices: Economists warn that these tariffs could raise costs for American consumers, with estimates suggesting an average household tax increase of over $2,100 in 2025 due to higher prices on imported goods like cars, food, and electronics.

Economic Growth: Projections indicate a 0.5% GDP reduction in 2025, with some industries (e.g., autos, oil) facing severe disruptions. Employment could drop by hundreds of thousands of jobs if retaliation intensifies.

Global Reaction: Allies and rivals alike have condemned the move, with the IMF cautioning about risks to sluggish global growth, and countries like Japan calling it a "national crisis."

Current Status (April 4, 2025)

The 10% baseline tariff takes effect tomorrow, April 5, with higher reciprocal rates starting April 9. Markets are volatile, with stocks plunging in anticipation of economic fallout, and countries are scrambling to negotiate exemptions or prepare retaliatory measures.

In summary, Trump’s 2025 tariffs and trade barriers represent a bold, expansive shift toward protectionism, leveraging high import taxes to reshape global trade dynamics. While aimed at strengthening U.S. industry, they risk igniting a global trade war and imposing significant costs on American consumers and the world economy.

If this is true, it is FANTASTIC!

 

This is Awesome. I have so much respect for both Joel Salatin and Thomas Massie. The Lunatic Farmer is now working for the government and that's pretty awesome.

 The deplorables and garbage people won again.  Can you believe it? 

                  I've been contacted by the Trump transition team to hold some sort of position within the USDA and have accepted one of the six "Advisor to the Secretary" spots.  My favorite congressman, Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture.

                  He's been the sponsor of the PRIME ACT, which, if pushed through, would be the biggest shot across the bow of the entrenched industrial meat processing system we've seen in a century.  Let liberty ring.  Wouldn't that be a change of fortune for Big Ag? 

                  If RFK Jr. goes in as Sec. of Health and Human Services, everything will be inverted.  Talk about the coolest turn about.  He'd be the boss of the Faucis and Francis Collins--the whole covid anti-science crowd.  Wouldn't that be a change of fortune for Big Pharma?

                  And if Elon Musk goes in as a Government Waste Czar, do you think he could possibly find something?   

                  Here's an interesting tidbit.  All the income taxes in the U.S. are $2 trillion a year.  Government spending and borrowing are so out of control that if we eliminated $2 trillion from the budget, it would only set us back to 2020.  Does anyone think returning to government spending in 2020 would destroy things?  Of course not.  So all we have to do is cut federal spending to 2020 levels and we can eliminate income tax.  Period.  Done.  How would that make you feel?

                  Most people don't know enough history to know that the federal government was to be financed entirely from tariffs and excise taxes.  In fact, as a nation we operated just fine for nearly 150 years without an income tax.  The only president who eliminated the national debt was Andrew Jackson, and he did it by eliminating the second bank of the U.S.  Nearly 100 years later we got the third bank, known as the Federal Reserve, plus the income tax. 

                  During that time, tariffs averaged 40-50 percent.  After the income tax, tariffs dropped to an average of about 7 percent, where they remain today.  If we went back to 40 percent, like we had for nearly 150 years, we would bring production home and free our citizens from impoverishing taxes. 

                  Dear folks, this is a watershed moment to take a creative and serious look at the sacred cows in our nation and fry some serious burgers. We don't know history.  We don't know liberty.  We don't know earthworms or aquifers or immune systems.  I'm hoping this election is an opening to discovery.  Perhaps we could even figure out how to put negative occurrences like jails, pollution, and cancer on the nation's balance sheet, as a liability rather than an asset (Gross Domestic Product--more jails?  wonderful, pour more concrete and make more jobs).  

                  Perhaps we'll eliminate federal involvement in education, from kindergarten to college.  Make every teacher accountable to performance.  Eliminate ALL federal intervention in the food system, in farming, in energy.  The Constitution (read it) doesn't allow for any of this and it's time to examine all of it.  Shut down foreign military bases; bring them all home.  Stop ALL foreign aid, from USAID to military aid.  Sell stuff is fine; giving it isn't. 

                  I think whatever taxes we pay should be able to be designated to certain departments.  That way we the people could support or defund departments directly.  The reason we have K street is because all our freedoms are for sale.  Eliminate government manipulation and the lobbyists all go home.  These are simple things.  Let's do it.

                  What is your first request for the Trump/RFK Jr. agenda?

Joel Salatin

About Joel Salatin

Joel Salatin calls himself a Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer. Others who like him call him the most famous farmer in the world, the high priest of the pasture, and the most eclectic thinker from Virginia since Thomas Jefferson.  Those who don’t like him call him a bio-terrorist, Typhoid Mary, charlatan, and starvation advocate.

With 12 published books and a thriving multi-generational family farm, he draws on a lifetime of food, farming, and fantasy to entertain and inspire audiences around the world.  He’s as comfortable moving cows in a pasture as addressing CEOs at a Wall Street business conference.

Often receiving standing ovations, he prefers the word performance rather than presentation to describe his lectures.  His favorite activity?–Q&A.  “I love the interaction,” he says.

He co-owns, with his family, Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia.  Featured in the New York Times bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma and award-winning documentary Food Inc., the farm services more than 5,000 families, 50 restaurants, 10 retail outlets, and a farmers’ market with salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, pastured poultry, and forestry products.  When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems.

Salatin is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, granddaddy catalyst for the grass farming movement.  He writes the Pitchfork Pulpit column for Mother Earth News, as well as numerous guest articles for ACRES USA and other publications.  A frequent guest on radio programs and podcasts targeting preppers, homesteaders, and foodies, Salatin’s practical, can-do solutions tied to passionate soliloquies for sustainability offer everyone food for thought and plans for action.