Why MAGA influencers are warming to solar

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This Week in Cleantech is a weekly podcast covering the most impactful stories in clean energy and climate featuring Paul Gerke of Factor This and Tigercomm’s Mike Casey.

This week's episode features special guest Evan Halper from the Washington Post, who wrote about some MAGA figures who are warming to solar despite Donald Trump’s longstanding criticism of it.

This week's "Cleantecher of the Week" is David Jankowsky, CEO of Francis Energy. Francis Energy provides ultra-fast charging stations for EVs, and focuses on expanding charging access to underserved and rural communities to ensure no community is left behind in the transition to electric vehicles. Congratulations, David!

This Week in Cleantech — March 06, 2026 

1. Don’t Look Now, but the Green Transition Is Still Happening — The New York Times
2. What Trump’s war on Iran means for the US energy crunch — The Verge
3. What AES’ $33.4 billion take-private says about energy and AI — Latitude Media
4. Europe Is Learning An Uncomfortable Truth About Local Battery Production — InsideEVs
5. Why Katie Miller and other MAGA influencers suddenly love solar power — The Washington Post

Want to make a suggestion for This Week in Cleantech? Nominate the stories that caught your eye each week by emailing  Paul.Gerke@clarionevents.com