Infrastructure & City Services

President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency over the U.S. bulk-power system, targeting foreign-produced equipment that the administration says could create cybersecurity, sabotage and supply-chain risks to the nation's electric grid. According to a report by Reuters, the executive order signed August 26, 2026, restricts certain foreign-made equipment used in critical electricity infrastructure and gives the Energy Department broad authority to identify, monitor, isolate, replace or remove equipment considered a national security threat. What Happened Trump's Executive Order 14421 declares that foreign supply of electric equipment used in the U.S. bulk-power system constitutes an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security, foreign policy and the economy. ...

The Trump administration has announced a $5.3 billion rail investment across the United States, targeting railroad safety, infrastructure upgrades and new Amtrak trains as Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy promotes what the Department of Transportation calls a “Golden Age of Rail.” According to a report by U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will fund 41 projects across 23 states, including more than 30 grade-crossing closures, upgrades at more than 1,000 crossings, 43 new Amtrak trainsets and overhauls for 41 locomotives. What Happened Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the $5.3 billion rail investment in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 14, saying the funding would prioritize rail safety and improvements to passenger rail infrastructure. ...