Fact Check: Were politics uninvolved in the termination of more than 280 Energy Department grants?

Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.


Claimant: Chris Wright (R)


Claim: Politics were not involved in the termination of more than 280 Energy Department grants.


Rating: MISLEADING


Explanation: The Energy Department said its initial review identified grants in both Republican- and Democratic-leaning states for termination. However, a court filing said the grants actually included in the October termination notices were selected solely because they were located in blue states.


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Date: 08/15/2026


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Last Updated on August 15, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check