Democratic Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger is calling out President Donald Trump over recent budget cuts in his tax package that saw $39.2 million in federal funding withdrawn from the City of Norfolk, which was to be used to support an offshore wind farm.
The Fairwinds Landing marine terminal was to be converted into an offshore wind logistics facility to support the largest offshore wind project in the nation — the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
“The Trump Administration’s sledgehammer approach to governing is hurting Virginia — from firing thousands of federal workers to slashing federal funds for critical projects across our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said in a statement. “Not only is the Fairwinds Landing project set up to support Virginia’s nation-leading offshore wind industry, but also to create hundreds of new jobs and bring economic growth to Hampton Roads and communities across Coastal Virginia.”
The Trump administration also attempted to cancel approximately $20 million in federal grant funding for the Portsmouth Marine Terminal to be used for upgrades. However, the Port of Virginia completed the project, according to a press release from Spanberger’s campaign.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said in a statement Friday the wind projects were “wasteful” and noted the funding could be used to revitalize America’s maritime industry instead.
“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg bent over backwards to use transportation dollars for their Green New Scam agenda while ignoring the dire needs of our shipbuilding industry,” Duffy said referring to the Green New Deal Republicans oppose. “Thanks to President Trump, we are prioritizing real infrastructure improvements over fantasy wind projects that cost much and offer little.”
The funding was awarded to the City of Norfolk Economic Development Authority for the project by the Biden administration in November of 2023.
Spanberger further called out her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, for continuing to support “attacks” from the White House and “downplaying the consequences for Virginia.”
“I will never be afraid to stand up for our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said. “Virginia deserves a Governor whose focus is on delivering for our communities — not kowtowing to a President who is willfully unraveling our Commonwealth’s economy.”
A recent analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Local Area Unemployment Statistics program shows Virginia has lost approximately 43,000 jobs between April and June of this year, largely due to federal cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and has an unemployment rate that continues to grow.
The August 1 jobs report, which reported 258,000 fewer jobs across the U.S., drew the ire of Trump, who claimed the numbers were fabricated and swiftly fired the chief of Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer.
Connor Joseph, Communications Director for Spanberger’s campaign, said in a statement that Earle-Sears “remains in lockstep” with the Trump administration’s policies at the expense of Virginia residents, rather than showcasing her own plan to grow Virginia’s economy.
“As Governor, Abigail will never hesitate to stand up for Virginians when chaos in Washington threatens their families,” Joseph said. “Her administration will work tirelessly to get the Commonwealth’s economy back on track — so every Virginian can earn a good living, take care of their families, and build a secure retirement.”
With what she describes as a record of bipartisan cooperation during her time in Congress, Spanberger is using her platform to appeal not only to Democrats, but also to disillusioned Republicans and undecided independents who are balking at some of the current administration’s policies.
