Trump Orders Pentagon to Prioritize Coal Power in Bid to Boost Fossil Fuel Industry

President Trump Directs Pentagon to Purchase Coal Power

Washington D.C. – On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Pentagon, officially the U.S. Department of Defense, to enter into long-term agreements for the purchase of electricity generated by coal-fired power plants. The directive, announced during a White House event attended by coal industry executives and miners, is a significant step in the administration's efforts to boost the fossil fuel sector.

The order mandates that the Pentagon's energy installation office prioritize the 'preservation and strategic utilization' of 'coal-based energy assets' when securing power for military operations. President Trump stated that buying coal through the military would be 'less expensive and actually much more effective than what we have been using for many, many years.'

Investment in Coal Plant Upgrades Announced

In addition to the Pentagon directive, President Trump also announced that the U.S. Department of Energy would invest $175 million to upgrade six coal plants. These facilities are located in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The funding aims to 'keep them online and keep those plans open,' according to the President. This investment is expected to be drawn from an existing fund of $625 million previously announced by the administration to support the coal industry.

Administration's Rationale and Broader Context

The executive order is framed by the administration as crucial for national and economic security, with coal being described as 'the most reliable, dependable' form of energy. White House officials have cited an 'energy emergency' declared by the President, partly driven by increased demand from data centers, as a justification for these measures. The move is consistent with the Trump administration's broader policy of prolonging U.S. reliance on coal power and easing regulations that encouraged a shift away from fossil fuels.

President Trump has consistently championed the revival of 'beautiful, clean coal' as essential for domestic manufacturing and achieving U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the role of 'front line coal workers,' stating, 'The most important people here today are those who get their hands a little bit dirty to keep America running at full speed.'

Reactions and Implications

The order has drawn criticism from environmental groups and some experts. Critics argue that the administration's efforts to revive coal threaten to raise electricity prices for consumers and contribute to air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. An analysis by Energy Innovation in 2023 found that a significant majority of coal-powered facilities in the U.S. were more expensive to operate than renewable alternatives. Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, stated, 'While Americans are demanding clean, affordable energy, the Trump administration is using our tax dollars to prop up the nation's dirtiest, least-efficient power plants.'

Despite the administration's push, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts a continued decline in coal-based electricity production, with increases in solar, hydropower, and wind energy.