Trump Criticizes Wind Power, Claims China Doesn’t Use Turbines It Sells
During a speech on January 21, 2026, Donald Trump criticized energy transition policies, focusing specifically on wind power. He asserted that an abundance of wind turbines correlates with a country’s decline, pointing to Europe as an example. He also made the claim that China strategically sells wind turbines to other nations while not deploying them domestically.
Trump stated, “The Chinese sell wind turbines to stupid people who buy them,” implying a lack of benefit for countries investing in this technology.
Verification of Claims:
Let’s examine the accuracy of these claims as of January 22, 2026.
* China’s wind Power Capacity: Trump’s assertion that China doesn’t use wind turbines is demonstrably false. China is, in fact, the world leader in wind power capacity. As of December 2025, China had an installed wind power capacity of approximately 392 GW Global Wind Energy Council, significantly exceeding any other nation. this includes both onshore and offshore wind farms.China continues to invest heavily in wind energy as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on coal and meet its climate goals.
* Wind Power in Europe: While Europe has faced challenges with wind power integration, notably regarding grid infrastructure and permitting processes, the claim that more turbines equate to a country being “worse off” is a gross oversimplification. Many European nations, like Denmark, germany, and the UK, derive a significant portion of their electricity from wind power. In 2023, wind energy accounted for 16.3% of the EU’s electricity generation European WindEurope. The expansion of wind power is a key component of the European Green Deal,aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Challenges exist, but these are being addressed through policy changes and technological advancements.
* Economic Considerations: the economics of wind power are complex. While initial investment costs are high, wind energy is becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels, especially when considering the long-term costs of pollution and climate change. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for wind has decreased significantly in recent years International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Why the discrepancy?
Trump’s statements appear to stem from a broader critique of renewable energy and a preference for fossil fuels. his comments regarding China may be rooted in trade tensions and a narrative of economic competition. However, the reality is that China has become a dominant force in the renewable energy sector, not just as a manufacturer of wind turbines but also as a major user of wind power.
It’s important to note that the wind energy sector, globally, is constantly evolving with advancements in turbine technology, grid integration, and energy storage solutions.