Doug Burgum

A top Trump administration official has been blasted after appearing to suggest solar power becomes useless the moment the sun goes down. The extraordinary exchange erupted during a heated House Natural Resources Committee hearing and quickly sparked ridicule from Democrats and clean energy critics alike.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum raised eyebrows on Wednesday when he attacked claims that solar power is the “cheapest form of energy”. But it was his warning about night time electricity that stole the spotlight — and triggered an instant backlash.

“All of these projects in Nevada have one thing in common,” Burgum declared. “When the sun goes down, they produce zero electricity.”

The former North Dakota governor warned the US had “over-rotated” towards what he called “intermittent forms of energy”. He argued shutting down “baseload” power sources while expanding solar had put the national grid “at deep risk”.

“You may have an incremental source, but it doesn’t work,” Burgum insisted. “The whole machine doesn’t work when the sun goes down.”

The comments landed with a thud in the hearing room. Moments later, Democratic Representative Jared Huffman fired back with a cutting response that drew attention to a glaring omission in Burgum’s argument — battery storage.

“Chairman, I request unanimous consent to enter into the record this amazing new technology that apparently the secretary is unaware of,” Huffman said. “It’s a battery. Then came the killer line.

“China’s figured it out,” the California Democrat added. “That’s why they’re cleaning our clock on clean energy.”

The tense clash exploded against the backdrop of America’s increasingly bitter political war over renewable energy, fossil fuels and the future of the power grid. Burgum insisted his concerns were not ideological and said he simply wanted a “rational discussion” about reliable and affordable energy.

“This is not an ideological thing,” he said. “It’s about reliable, affordable, and secure.”

But critics were quick to pounce on the remarks, arguing that battery technology has long been central to modern solar energy systems. Large-scale battery storage facilities are widely used to store excess solar power generated during daylight hours for use at night or during peak demand.

Burgum also warned lawmakers that many solar industry components were being sourced from China rather than the United States. “Very few of these components for the solar industry are coming from the U.S.,” he said.

The showdown comes as Burgum remains a controversial figure in the Trump administration’s approach to renewable energy policy. As head of the Department of the Interior, he oversees huge areas of federal land and plays a key role in approving energy projects, including solar developments.

Environmental groups and energy industry stakeholders have repeatedly scrutinised his handling of renewable energy expansion on public lands. His latest comments are likely to intensify that pressure.

The hearing also highlighted a growing divide in Washington over how the US should balance energy security, domestic production and climate goals. Republicans have increasingly criticised dependence on renewable energy, while Democrats argue America risks falling behind global competitors in clean technology.

Huffman’s reference to China underscored those fears. China has rapidly expanded battery and renewable energy manufacturing, becoming a dominant force in the global clean energy market.

For Burgum, the fallout may not fade quickly. His remarks are already circulating online as critics accuse the administration of misunderstanding basic renewable energy infrastructure.

And with the battle over America’s energy future heating up ahead of major policy fights, this latest clash could become another flashpoint in the wider war over climate, technology and political credibility.

Trump official mocked after claiming solar doesn't work at night

My solar cell produces peak power when the sun sets.

Another American Nutjob in trumps administration,! America a world power !! you have to be joking !!!

7 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

America a world power !!

Yes, we are, we are Europe's daddy.

1 minute ago, TedG said:

Yes, we are, we are Europe's daddy.

not with nutjobs who dont know what a battery is

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