Trump Directs Pentagon to Purchase Power from Coal Plants

President Donald Trump on Wednesday directed the Defense Department to purchase power from coal plants, an action that represents his latest initiative to support the coal industry.

The executive order mandates the Pentagon to secure long-term power purchase agreements with coal plants for military installations.

Trump signed the order at a White House event, which was attended by Peabody Energy CEO James Grech.

The president also instructed the Department of Energy to issue funds aimed at maintaining the operation of coal plants in West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

Context: The Declining Coal Industry

Previously, in April, Trump declared coal essential to U.S. national and economic security. The coal industry has been in decline for several years, facing challenges in competing with natural gas and renewable energy sources. According to the Energy Information Administration, coal contributed 16% of U.S. electricity generation in 2023, a reduction from 51% in 2001.