Trump to Promote Coal as Energy Source at White House Event
President Donald Trump is set to host an event at the White House on Wednesday emphasizing that “clean beautiful coal” is a key, reliable, and affordable energy source for the nation. The gathering will feature Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Lee Zeldin, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, starting at 4 p.m. ET in the East Room.
The White House mentioned that several governors and members of Congress have been invited to participate. White House Press Secretary Taylor Rogers stated, “Beautiful, clean coal is vital for supplying energy to American homes and businesses while simultaneously reducing electricity costs nationwide.” She continued by indicating that Trump’s approach aims to unlock this energy resource, protect jobs, and mitigate the ongoing energy crisis seen under the Biden administration.
The event aims to highlight coal’s reliability and affordability, claiming it can meet peak energy demands effectively. During this gathering, Trump is expected to sign an executive order to bolster the national defense through enhancements to the coal-powered fleet, reflecting the Army Corps’ initiative to source electricity from coal-fired plants.
The order will instruct Army Secretary Pete Hegseth to negotiate power purchase agreements with these plants, ensuring a dependable supply for the military. Additionally, Trump is likely to announce funding from the Department of Energy for the revival and upgrade of five coal-fired power plants located in West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky. A White House official indicated that this would be the first of many funding announcements for coal facilities.
Since Trump’s return to office, officials claim there has been substantial support for the coal industry. They noted an increase in coal production, with 12.2 million more tons mined in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, showcasing a 5% annual growth.
Press Secretary Caroline Levitt gave a hint about the event, mentioning that the president plans to discuss how clean coal not only keeps the lights on but can also lower electricity costs across the nation. During the event, the Washington Coal Club is anticipated to honor Trump as its “Undisputed Coal Champion.”
The timing of this event follows the Trump administration’s decision to reinstate the National Coal Council earlier this year, which consists of a diverse group of stakeholders from the energy sector. This council is now chaired by notable figures from relevant companies, marking a return after its disbandment by the Biden administration.
In another move, the Department of Energy unveiled a significant funding initiative of $625 million, aimed at revitalizing the coal industry and enhancing the security of the power grid, following Trump’s executive direction.
Wright’s office stated that significant measures taken during his administration have saved over 15 gigawatts of coal-fired electricity. Looking forward, an analysis from the Department of Energy indicated that the elimination of coal-fired plants would threaten grid stability, signaling that an additional 100 gigawatts capacity would be necessary by 2030.
