President Donald Trump took steps to extend U.S. reliance on coal power, ordering the Pentagon to purchase electricity from coal-fired plants and announcing funding to upgrade existing facilities. Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to negotiate agreements for coal-generated electricity to support military operations, with the Pentagon’s energy installation office pursuing long-term contracts aimed at ensuring demand and business certainty.

Speaking at a White House event attended by miners, coal executives, and energy industry leaders, Trump said the military would buy more coal and described it as less expensive and more effective than current sources. He called coal the most reliable, dependable energy source and said generation had risen nearly 15% in his first year, projecting further gains. The administration will provide US$175 million for upgrades at six coal plants in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.