What was the core objective of Biden's cleantech industrial policy, and how did Trump's administration respond to it?

Biden's cleantech industrial policy aimed to slow climate change by pouring billions of dollars into technologies designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions — representing one of the most robust US industrial policies in decades, defined as government interventions to boost specific industries. In contrast, Trump's administration, showing little interest in fighting climate change, dismantled many of those industrial investment programs over the past 18 months.

How does the article characterize the shift in US federal approach to industrial policy between the Biden and Trump administrations?

The article characterizes the shift as a reversal: Biden implemented a proactive, climate-focused industrial policy centered on large-scale government investment in cleantech to curb emissions, while Trump abandoned that approach — dismantling key programs without introducing a replacement framework, reflecting his administration’s lack of interest in climate action.

Trump Dismantles Biden’s Cleantech Industrial Policy; Will Replacement Succeed?

Jul 20, 2026

President Trump has dismantled key Biden-era industrial investment programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions over the past 18 months. This shift marks a significant departure from previous government interventions designed to boost cleantech technologies.