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🌱 Debunking Trump's Wind Energy Myths: What the Science Really Says 💨❌

Fact-checking Donald Trump’s false claims about wind energy. Get the real science on whales, birds, recyclability, and turbine efficiency.

Author

Green Glow
June 08, 2025

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made headlines once again—this time for his continued criticism of wind energy. From claiming wind turbines are killing whales to labeling the entire industry a “scam,” his assertions have sparked widespread debate, and unfortunately, a great deal of misinformation. But what does the science really say?

In this post, we’ll unpack Trump’s most repeated claims about wind energy and weigh them against verified facts, expert opinions, and data from environmental agencies.

Table of Contents

Claim #1: “Windmills Are Driving Whales Crazy”

Trump’s statement: Wind turbines are responsible for the uptick in whale strandings along the U.S. coast.

The truth: There is no scientific evidence linking offshore wind development to whale deaths. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the main threats to whales are:

  • Vessel strikes

  • Entanglement in fishing gear

  • Climate change, which affects the distribution of their prey

While offshore wind site surveys do produce underwater noise, NOAA’s research shows that these are well below the levels that could cause injury or disorientation in large whales.

âś… Verdict: False

Claim #2: “You Want to See a Bird Cemetery? Walk Under a Windmill”

Trump’s statement: Wind turbines kill large numbers of birds, making them an environmental hazard.

The truth: Yes, wind turbines do kill birds—but in relatively small numbers compared to other human-related causes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates the annual bird deaths in the U.S. as follows:

  • Cats: 2.4 billion

  • Buildings (glass collisions): 600 million

  • Vehicles: 215 million

  • Wind turbines: 234,000

Even communication towers and power lines kill more birds than wind turbines.

Moreover, technology is improving. Researchers have found that painting one turbine blade black can significantly reduce bird strikes. Some companies are also using AI-based sensors to prevent collisions.

âś… Verdict: Misleading

Claim #3: “Wind Energy Is a Con — They Can’t Even Recycle the Blades”

Trump’s statement: Wind turbines are not environmentally friendly because they cannot be fully recycled.

The truth: Wind turbine components are highly recyclable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 90–95% of a wind turbine—such as the steel tower, copper wiring, and concrete base—can be recycled.

The rotor blades, made of composite materials, are more challenging to break down. While some blades have ended up in landfills, new recycling methods are emerging:

  • Thermal recycling in the cement industry

  • New composite resins that allow blades to be reused

  • Creative reuse for infrastructure (e.g., playgrounds, bike shelters)

Countries like Germany, Austria, and Finland have already banned blade landfilling, with the EU pushing for a full ban by 2025.

âś… Verdict: Misleading

Claim #4: “Wind Turbines Are Inefficient and Don’t Work Half the Time”

Trump’s statement: Wind turbines frequently stop working, showing that they’re unreliable and inefficient.

The truth: Wind turbines are designed to stop under specific conditions:

  • Low wind speeds (no wind, no power)

  • Very high winds (to prevent damage)

  • Scheduled maintenance

This doesn’t mean they’re inefficient. Modern wind turbines can convert:

  • 30–48% of wind’s energy onshore

  • Up to 50% offshore

This is close to the theoretical maximum efficiency (59%) defined by Betz's Law, a fundamental principle in fluid dynamics.

Even when not spinning, wind farms may be storing energy or undergoing necessary pauses. Some systems even use electric motors to spin the blades initially in low-wind conditions.

âś… Verdict: False

The Bigger Picture: Why These Myths Matter

Wind energy isn’t perfect—but it’s a crucial part of the global shift away from fossil fuels. In 2024, for the first time, wind and solar combined generated more electricity than coal in the U.S., according to think tank Ember.

Misinformation like Trump’s doesn’t just distort public perception—it can delay renewable energy projects, influence policy decisions, and fuel climate skepticism.

Conclusion

In a world increasingly affected by climate change, energy policy should be based on facts and science—not political theater. Wind power is far from the menace some make it out to be. It's a growing, improving, and largely beneficial force in the fight for a more sustainable future.

So next time you hear someone say “windmills are driving whales crazy,” feel free to gently correct them—with the facts.

FAQs

Do wind turbines really harm whales?

No. According to NOAA, there is no scientific evidence that offshore wind turbines cause whale strandings. The main threats are vessel strikes and fishing gear.

Are wind turbines a major threat to birds?

Wind turbines do cause bird deaths, but they're responsible for far fewer deaths than cats, windows, or vehicles. They account for about 234,000 bird deaths annually in the U.S., a fraction of the total.

Can wind turbines be recycled?

Yes, up to 95% of a wind turbine’s materials—including steel and copper—are recyclable. Blade recycling is improving through thermal processes and new materials.

Why do some wind turbines stop spinning? Are they broken?

Not necessarily. Turbines stop due to low wind, high wind (for safety), or maintenance. It's normal and part of their efficient operation.

How efficient are modern wind turbines?

Onshore turbines convert 30–48% of wind energy into electricity; offshore ones reach up to 50%, close to the theoretical limit of 59% (Betz’s Law).

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