Trump Announces Chris Wright as Energy Secretary and Member of National Energy Council
President-elect Donald Trump has announced Chris Wright, founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, as the new Secretary of Energy. Wright, an oil and gas executive with extensive experience in multiple energy sectors, will also serve on the newly formed Council of National Energy. This council aims to centralize and streamline energy policy across federal departments, focusing on innovation, private sector investment, and regulatory reform. Trump praised Wright as a "key leader" whose efforts would be pivotal in reducing energy costs, driving innovation, and reinforcing U.S. energy dominance on the global stage.
Wright’s dual roles highlight the Trump administration’s commitment to fostering a robust energy sector while integrating energy policy with national economic and strategic goals. Wright’s background as a technologist and entrepreneur positions him to advance these objectives, aligning with Trump's broader vision for a "Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace."
Chris Wright’s Background
Wright brings decades of energy sector experience, including work in nuclear, solar, geothermal, and oil and gas. He played a pivotal role in the American Shale Revolution, which reshaped energy markets globally.
Education and Career: Wright graduated from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and pursued graduate studies at UC Berkeley and MIT. He founded Pinnacle Technologies, advancing hydraulic fracture mapping, and later Liberty Energy, known for its advocacy of affordable and reliable energy.
Philosophy: A self-described humanitarian, Wright’s work emphasizes the role of abundant energy in improving quality of life worldwide. He has been outspoken in debates about energy policy, advocating for rational discussions about the benefits of fossil fuels.
Reactions to the Appointment
Supporters: Backers of Trump’s energy policies view Wright’s appointment as a step toward revitalizing the energy sector, citing his extensive technical and entrepreneurial expertise.
Critics: Environmental groups express concerns about Wright’s ties to the fossil fuel industry and his dismissal of climate change as a crisis. They worry this could sideline renewable energy initiatives and exacerbate environmental challenges.
Responding to the nomination, Wright said he was “honored and grateful,” emphasizing his commitment to making energy “more affordable, reliable, and secure.” His vision aligns with Trump’s pledge to bolster energy production, create jobs, and leverage U.S. energy as a geopolitical tool.
This appointment signals the Trump administration's continued focus on deregulation and fossil fuel development, with energy policy remaining a cornerstone of its economic and strategic objectives.