Trump Executive Order Aims to Boost U.S. Coal Power Plants with Pentagon Support

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign a new executive order directing the Pentagon to use federal funding and defense contracts to support struggling U.S. coal-fired power plants, according to a Bloomberg News report citing a White House official. The move signals a renewed push by the Trump administration to strengthen the domestic coal industry and secure coal-powered energy for military operations.

Under the proposed order, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be instructed to enter agreements to purchase electricity generated by coal-fired power plants to power U.S. military facilities. The plan is designed to ensure energy reliability for national defense while sustaining coal production and preserving mining jobs across key states.

In addition, the Department of Energy is set to announce a $175 million investment to upgrade six coal-fired plants located in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The funding aims to modernize infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and extend the lifespan of existing coal energy facilities. These upgrades are part of a broader strategy to reinforce America’s energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.

The White House is also planning an event to promote coal-powered energy, with coal executives, miners, and energy industry leaders expected to attend. The announcement underscores Trump’s ongoing commitment to expanding coal output, despite global efforts to transition toward renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Reuters noted it was unable to independently verify the report, and neither the White House nor the Pentagon immediately responded to requests for comment outside regular business hours. If finalized, the executive order would mark another significant step in Trump’s pro-coal energy policy, emphasizing fossil fuel development and energy security as central pillars of his administration’s agenda.