DOE Investment Announcement and Map Error

DOE Investments and Omission

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced significant investments in energy infrastructure, focusing on Tribal communities. The department highlighted these investments on social media, sharing a graphic meant to display projects across the United States.

However, the graphic contained a glaring omission: Vermont was left out entirely. Users on social media quickly spotted the mistake, with comments questioning the absence and speculating about the use of AI in creating the map.

DOE’s Funding Plan

On October 22, DOE revealed plans to allocate over $125 million in federal funding to 63 Tribal-led energy projects. These projects aim to electrify Tribal homes, switch others to natural-gas heating, and upgrade existing infrastructure.

The funding aligns with initiatives from President Donald Trump’s executive order to stimulate American energy. Notably, Tribal households experience energy costs 28% higher than average, and approximately 17,000 homes lack electricity.

The graphic displayed potential project locations, with prominent numbers in Alaska and Oklahoma.

Past Government Graphic Errors

This incident isn’t isolated. In December 2025, Pete Hegseth faced ridicule over a placard error, reading “SSecretary of War,” during a cabinet meeting. California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked the mistake on social media.

Further embarrassment occurred in July 2026, when a State Department map mislabeled African countries during a presentation, likely made using OpenAI tools. The department apologized for confusion caused to attendees.

Another recent error involved labeling during President Trump’s meeting on artificial intelligence. A signature read “President of the Unites States,” drawing attention.

For further inquiries, contact Newsweek editors Rebecca Flood and James Debens.