Its map of planned projects sparked online criticism after viewers noticed Vermont was absent. (REUTERS)The DOE's official X account posted a picture that looked like it displayed the full United States, along with the caption: "Yesterday, the Energy Department announced major investments toward Tribal communities energy infrastructure that will lower energy costs for Americans!"Vermont missing from DOE map as agency announces $125mn in tribal energy fundingA community note appeared on X where viewers simply asked: “Vermont?”The comments section of the post got quickly filled with users wondering why the state was missing from the map, and several people speculated that artificial intelligence might have been responsible for creating it.“What happened to Vermont? Let me guess yall had ai create this, map didn't you?” one user wrote.“I live in vermont man I find this very offensive,” another user commented, while the third person said, “Sir, put down the AI and download a real map.”“So you failed geography,” a fourth user stated.Also Read: Cornell gangrape case: Defendant Diego Sarabia seeks dismissal from Jane Doe's lawsuitDOE’s $125 million funding planOn October 22, the Department of Energy announced the selection of 63 Tribal-led energy initiatives for negotiation discussions regarding federal funding exceeding $125 million.These initiatives encompass electrification of Tribal residences currently without electrical service, conversion of existing structures to natural gas heating systems, and modernization of infrastructure throughout Tribal communities.The Department of Energy said that these selections align with President Donald Trump's "Unleashing American Energy" executive order.
The department further noted that Tribal households experience energy expenditures approximately 28 percent higher than the national average and that approximately 17,000 Tribal residences currently lack access to electricity.The graphic provided a visual overview of the quantity of planned projects across several states, with Alaska and Oklahoma demonstrating the highest concentrations.Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk.
She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives.
She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team.
She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work.
Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi.
If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family.
She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More