Trump Declares National Energy Emergency on Inauguration Day

In his inauguration speech on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to securing America’s energy dominance. Energy was a central theme of his address, with a focus on reducing regulations and prioritizing fossil fuel production. On his first day in office, he declared a national energy emergency, vowing to tackle rising energy prices that contribute to inflation. “We will drill, baby, drill,” Trump declared, outlining plans to ramp up domestic oil production, revoke President Biden’s electric vehicle mandate, and dismantle the Green New Deal. He asserted that these bold actions would restore America’s economic prosperity and energy independence.

Key Energy Highlights from Trump’s Inaugural Address

• National Energy Emergency Declaration
  In one of the first steps of his new administration, President Trump declared a national energy emergency.
  “That is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill. America will be a manufacturing nation once again, and we have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have—the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth, and we are going to use it.”
  This statement underscores Trump’s longstanding support for fossil fuel production, particularly oil and gas, as the backbone of American energy independence.

• Energy Prices and Strategic Reserves
  Trump also emphasized his plan to tackle energy costs and bolster the nation's strategic reserves.
  “We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again right to the top, and export American energy all over the world. We will be a rich nation again, and it is that liquid gold under our feet that will help to do it.”
  His vision includes expanding energy exports and taking advantage of the country’s vast natural resources to improve both national security and economic prosperity.

• Ending the Green New Deal and Electric Vehicle Mandates
  A hallmark of Trump’s energy policy is the rejection of the Green New Deal and government mandates on electric vehicles.
  “With my actions today, we will end the Green New Deal and revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to our great American auto workers. In other words, you'll be able to buy the car of your choice.”
  Trump’s stance on electric vehicles remains firm, advocating for more consumer choice and less government interference.

• Support for American Auto Workers
  Trump promised to revitalize the American auto industry by prioritizing domestic production and ensuring more jobs for American workers.
  “We will build automobiles in America again at a rate that nobody could have dreamt possible just a few years ago. And thank you to the auto workers of our nation for your inspiring vote of confidence—we did tremendously with your vote.”
  This line highlights his focus on reinvigorating American manufacturing and the auto sector, a critical part of the nation’s economic framework.

• America First Energy Policies
  The president reiterated his America First approach to energy, prioritizing domestic interests over foreign concerns.
  “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.”
  This reflects his broader trade and economic policy, which seeks to shift focus away from global partnerships that he believes disadvantage American workers and industries.

The Road Ahead: A Focus on Energy Dominance

Trump’s first day in office reaffirmed his administration's energy strategy of prioritizing domestic energy production, particularly from fossil fuels, while challenging global environmental initiatives like the Green New Deal. His policies suggest a return to the aggressive expansion of American oil and gas reserves, the de-regulation of the energy sector, and a focus on boosting job creation in key industries like automotive manufacturing.

Looking ahead, these energy policies are likely to shape the direction of U.S. energy production and consumption over the next four years. As the president outlined, energy independence will be a cornerstone of his administration, with significant implications for energy prices, American jobs, and the future of renewable energy sources.