President Donald Trump on Monday issued a series of memos directing a dramatic expansion of domestic oil, coal, and natural gas production, arguing that inadequate energy supplies threaten American defense capabilities and prosperity.
The directives invoke a national energy emergency declared by Trump on January 20 and lean heavily on defense language to justify the push. One memo states that the nation's "current inadequate and intermittent energy supply leaves us vulnerable to hostile foreign actors" and poses a threat to national security.
Trump instructed the energy secretary to implement the expansion through "necessary purchases, commitments, and financial instruments." He cited petroleum's role fueling the military, industrial base, and critical infrastructure, warning that without federal action, "United States defense capabilities will remain vulnerable to disruption."
The memos invoke the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law that allows presidents to expand domestic supply of materials and services deemed essential to defense. Trump has used broad executive authority to accelerate his energy agenda since taking office, signing orders to unleash oil and gas development, rolling back vehicle emissions standards, and loosening restrictions on petroleum expansion in Alaska.
He also reversed a Biden-era pause on liquefied natural gas export approvals. The White House analysis released in December showed that expanding LNG exports would drive up domestic natural gas costs, though Trump has proceeded anyway.
The timing creates a political headache. Gas prices have climbed since U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran disrupted global oil markets. While prices dipped briefly on diplomatic hopes, they rose again after the U.S. seized an Iranian ship. Trump campaigned on affordability and populist economics, making elevated energy costs a vulnerability as he takes office.
The cost pressures extend beyond gasoline. The Agriculture Department forecasts food prices rising 3.6 percent in 2026, with grocery costs up 3.1 percent and restaurant meals up 3.9 percent. Both figures exceed the 20-year historical average for price increases.
Trump's energy push reflects the oil and gas industry's substantial investment in his campaign, which included over $75 million in donations.
Author James Rodriguez: "Framing a massive fossil fuel expansion as a defense necessity is a clever political move, but it won't help Americans struggling with prices at the pump."
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