CEO of T1 Energy Discusses Tariffs and Domestic Investment
During a policy forum hosted by Breitbart News, Dan Barceló, CEO of T1 Energy, stated that the combination of tariffs and incentives from the Trump administration is driving domestic investments and boosting competitiveness in U.S. manufacturing.
Barceló shared his thoughts at the Breitbart News event, which also featured Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and was moderated by Managing Editor Alex Marlowe and Financial Economics Editor John Carney.
In a conversation with Breitbart News Washington Bureau Chief Matt Boyle, Barceló supported Lutnick’s defense of President Trump’s strategic tariffs aimed at stopping foreign partners from taking advantage of American resources. Lutnick remarked that the U.S. would resolve any small tariff disputes with other nations, emphasizing their reliance on American consumers.
Barceló noted that many of his points aligned with Lutnick’s idea that the tariff system includes both incentives and disincentives. “If you want to sell into the American market, it’s going to cost more,” he said, suggesting this would enhance the startup of American manufacturing.
He stressed that the long-term health of the U.S. economy hinges on the capital investment stimulated by tariffs and the establishment of domestic manufacturing sites. “We need to focus on capital formation,” he explained, emphasizing the necessity for investor confidence and profitability.
T1 Energy, which focuses on solar energy production in Texas, aims to counter China’s influence in solar manufacturing, Barceló explained. Once their multiple U.S.-based facilities are up and running, he believes they will enjoy competitive operating costs, particularly due to Texas’s low utilities.
“The operating costs will be very low and competitive,” he stated, highlighting Texas’s advantages such as affordable natural gas and electricity. Barceló called for sustained trade barriers to bolster domestic competitiveness, aiming to elevate U.S. manufacturing on a global scale.
“When these facilities are fully operational, America will compete effectively—we could even become exporters,” he remarked. He concluded by suggesting a mix of incentives to attract upfront capital while maintaining protective measures to guard against foreign competition.
This event marks Breitbart’s first policy gathering of 2026, following a similar event in 2025 featuring various high-profile government officials. Breitbart News collaborated with CGCN and ALFA Institute for this occasion.
