COMBATTING CHINA'S INFLUENCE OVER U.S. SMART DEVICES
In an era where digital infrastructure and national security are increasingly intertwined, leaders in Washington are taking steps to confront the growing threat of foreign influence over American technology.
This month, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Protect the GRID Act, legislation aimed at curbing the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) access to America’s power grid and critical infrastructure through smart devices and software.
This legislative push aligns closely with President Trump's bold AI and technology security action plan. As the race for technological dominance heats up with China, Trump’s clear-eyed approach prioritizes American sovereignty, economic independence, and cybersecurity resilience. His policies emphasize decoupling U.S. infrastructure from CCP-linked companies, investing in domestic AI innovation, and creating strong safeguards against foreign tech infiltration.
The Protect the GRID Act represents an important step forward in this vision. It prohibits federal agencies from procuring or using smart technology, including devices and software, manufactured in or connected to companies based in Communist China. These restrictions echo Trump’s prior efforts to confront threats from entities connected to the CCP, including Huawei, ZTE, and TikTok.
The bill targets concerns that smart thermostats, appliances, and other internet-connected devices, when produced by CCP-linked companies, may pose a significant cybersecurity risk. These devices, often integrated into homes, businesses, and even elements of the energy grid, can potentially serve as entry points for espionage, data theft, or cyberattacks.
The threat from the Chinese Communist Party is not theoretical: it’s here, it’s growing, and it’s embedded in the devices we rely on every day.
Trump’s AI action plan underscores the reality that future warfare and economic competition will be defined by who controls data, connectivity, and intelligence systems. Trump’s vision, combined with smart legislation, will ensure America remains the winner in the AI race, that our infrastructure is protected and we are investing in secure, U.S.-led innovation.
As the digital battlefield expands, Trump’s forward-looking leadership should serve as a model for every policymaker in Washington.
The Protecting America Initiative urges Congress to take concrete steps and bring commonsense bills like the Protect the GRID Act to the floor for debate and passage. America needs decisive action, and the path forward is clear: secure our grid, ban CCP-linked tech, and double down on American innovation.