'Coal is essential to our national security': Trump directs Pentagon to secure long-term power

WASHINGTON, DC:  President Donald Trump directed the Department of Defense to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants, signing an executive order he said would strengthen national security and revive the coal industry.

After signing the order at the White House, Trump spoke about what his administration had done for coal miners and energy producers, declaring that he had reversed years of what he described as hostile policies toward the industry.

“I ended the war on coal,” Trump said. “We terminated the 'Green New Scam,' and we withdrew from the unfair, one-sided Paris Climate Accord. That was another beauty we had.”

Trump said his actions had helped bring coal production back after decades of decline and ensured that coal would remain a reliable energy source for critical infrastructure.

Trump signs coal order, says he ‘ended the war on coal'

At the Oval Office, Trump signed the coal-related order and drew a contrast with the previous administration.

“On day one of this administration, I ended the war on coal,” Trump said. “We terminated the green new scam, and we withdrew from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord.”

Trump explained that the order directs the Department of Defense to work directly with coal-fired power plants on long-term purchasing agreements.

“That’s why I'm also pleased to announce that, in just a moment, I will sign an executive order that directs the Department of Defense to work directly with coal plants on the new power purchasing agreements, ensuring that we have more reliable power and stronger and more resilient grid power,” he said.

Trump added that the military would now buy more coal-based power because it would be cheaper and more effective than other options used in recent years.

“And we're going to be buying a lot of coal through the military now, and it's going to be less expensive and actually much more effective than what we have been using for many, many years,” Trump said.

While speaking with Cabinet officials, coal workers, and Republican lawmakers nearby, Trump described coal as essential to both industry and defense.

“Coal is vital to everything from steel production to shipbuilding and artificial intelligence,” he said.

Trump also criticized wind energy, claiming many turbines are manufactured overseas.

“I'm not a big fan of those crazy windmills that are all made in China,” Trump said. “You know, they're made in China but not used by China.”

Trump says coal output jumped during his time in office 

Trump claimed coal production and coal power generation had increased significantly under his leadership.

“Since I took office, coal production is up by nearly 4 million tons a month after falling for decades,” he said. “Coal power generation is up by nearly 15% in my first year.”

Trump said his administration had approved dozens of new mining permits.

“In one year of Trump, we've already approved over 70 permits for very big, very powerful mines that are going to be with us for many, many years to come,” he said.

Trump also announced that he was directing the Department of Energy to issue funds to coal plants in several states to keep them operating.

“In addition, I'm directing the Department of Energy to issue funds to coal plants in West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina and Kentucky to keep them online and keep those plants open,” Trump said.

Later in the event, Peabody Energy CEO Jim Grech presented Trump with an award recognizing his support for the coal industry.