There’s been a lot of talk about the shift toward renewable energy, and honestly, it hasn’t been quite as successful as one might hope. Currently, about 80% of our energy comes from fossil fuels, and with Trump in office, that number hasn’t really budged.
A recent headline from Reuters mentioned the significant increase in U.S. crude production, which reached a record 134.1 billion barrels in 2025. This rise is echoed in the data from the International Energy Agency that reveals a similar trend in clean natural gas production. The U.S. is producing more natural gas than ever, which makes sense given that it’s cleaner and cheaper than alternatives. Plus, it’s more reliable. This contrasts sharply with the larger footprint of wind and solar farms, which can take away from the natural beauty of our landscapes.
In essence, America has this treasure trove of energy resources worth millions right beneath our feet. The value of these resources could easily help reduce our national debt. So, it’s a bit crazy to think we’d just leave it there.
The resurgence of the U.S. as an energy powerhouse under Trump isn’t really a surprise. It’s part of a longer trend fueled by innovations in fracking and horizontal drilling that have nearly tripled U.S. energy production over the last 15 years.
Even with Biden in office, known for his green initiatives, oil and gas output has hit new highs, mostly because oil prices surged when he took office. At one point, crude prices soared above $100 in 2022, generally sitting around $70-$85 afterward. At those prices, it felt like everyone was looking for oil even in their backyards. If not for Biden’s environmental regulations and the cancellation of projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline, production rates could have been even higher, meaning gas wouldn’t have soared to $5 a gallon.
Interestingly, Trump’s spike in oil production occurred even as global oil prices dipped. This, I think, shows that we can benefit from both lower costs at the pump and ample domestic energy supplies. Predictions suggest that gas prices might drop below $3 next year, but it’s worth noting that if you’re in a place like California, you’re still facing higher costs.
Also, we shouldn’t overlook the national security advantages of this drilling strategy. More production in the U.S. could reduce the profits of countries like Iran and Russia, which might, in turn, pressure leaders like Putin into negotiations.
This all serves to illustrate how policy decisions profoundly affect everyday life. For example, Biden’s first executive action was to halt the Keystone XL pipeline, which slowed down oil and gas supply chains across the country. In contrast, Trump’s initial move was to prioritize energy production for both national security and economic reasons.
In the end, we might be heading toward a scenario where America can influence global energy markets and set prices at home.
