Washington DC - President Donald Trump started a trade investigation into imported wind turbines that could see massive levies slapped on the crucial renewable energy source.

The US Department of Commerce launched a national security investigation into imports of wind turbines and their components, after the White House broadened the reach of its 50% steel and aluminum tariffs this week to include wind turbines and their parts.

It could lead to additional tariffs, quotas, or other trade restrictions on wind turbines and their components if imports are deemed to harm US national security.

The department's Bureau of Industry and Security began the investigation on August 13, and is seeking public comment on issues including US dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly from China.

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A department notice released on Thursday specifically made reference to the potential for foreign nations to "weaponize their control over supplies of wind turbines and their parts" through export restrictions.

The probe will also scrutinize foreign government subsidies, predatory trade practices, and the concentration of US imports from a small number of suppliers or nations, the notice said.

Trump has long attacked wind energy, describing it as "ugly," unreliable, expensive, and overly dependent on imported supplies from China.

Just this week, the Trump administration's Department of Agriculture ended solar and win projects on farm land. The Environmental Protection Agency under Trump has also cut billions in solar panel grants.

"Any State that has built and relied on WINDMILLS and SOLAR for power are seeing RECORD BREAKING INCREASES IN ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY COSTS," Trump wrote on Truth Social this week.

"Stupid and ugly windmills are killing New Jersey," Trump said in another all-caps post. "Stop the windmills!"