BUSINESS

Trump Orders Pentagon to Buy Coal, Boosts Exports

PUBLISHED Feb 11, 2026, 6:06 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 10

Center 60%

Right 40%

Sources: 10

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week directing the Pentagon to enter long-term agreements with coal-fired plants and instructing federal agencies to support coal operations, including Tennessee Valley Authority plant reprieves and Energy Department funding for Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia. He also said recent trade deals with Japan, South Korea and India would increase U.S. coal exports. Administration officials and lawmakers cited job preservation and energy security. Reports noted some trade fact sheets did not explicitly mention coal. This summary is based on statements and news reports. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

July (previous year): President announced an initial South Korea trade deal claiming energy purchases.
November (previous year): Joint fact sheet from U.S.-South Korea summits did not reference coal exports.
Feb. 9: Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri stressed national interest guiding energy decisions amid trade talks.
Feb. 11: President signed an executive order directing Defense Department coal power-purchase agreements and announced federal measures to support coal plants.
Feb. 11–12: Multiple outlets reported the executive order, TVA plant reprieves and administration claims connecting trade deals to increased coal exports.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 4
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Coal companies, plant operators, certain state economies and defense contractors gained increased revenue, contract certainty and short-term job preservation from Pentagon power-purchase directives and related federal measures.

Who Impacted

Environmental groups, climate advocates and emissions-reduction initiatives face setbacks as federal policy shifts prioritize coal procurement and extend plant operations, potentially increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Media Bias