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