Trump to sign executive order aimed at revitalizing coal industry
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Trump Signs Orders to Revive Coal Industry
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks alongside coal and energy workers during an executive order signing ceremony at the White House on April 8, 2025. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This is no time for the United States to restrict the use of any energy sources, particularly coal, which is critical for achieving American energy dominance. To thrive in the near future, the United States will have to meet surging electricity demands from AI and manufacturing growth, so these orders are just a part of Trump's plans to unleash the capabilities of America's energy industry.
Democratic narrative
Coal isn't falling out of favor because of some regulatory plot, but because the world — and some in the United States — recognize it as the dirtiest fossil fuel and the biggest contributor to dangerous climate change. Because of advances in technology and worldwide market shifts, coal won't remain competitive and the United States will be left in the dust if it follows Trump's orders.