In a display of unwavering commitment to the coal industry, President Donald J. Trump hosted an event at the White House dubbed the “Champion of Coal,” gathering lawmakers, industry leaders, and diligent miners from various states. During this event, he signed an Executive Order instructing the Department of War to procure coal power, rejoiced in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s renewed commitment to coal, and received accolades from coal miners as the “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal,” a title honoring his efforts to combat what he termed the Radical Left’s assault on this sector.
This gathering highlighted President Trump’s steadfast advocacy for what he calls “beautiful, clean coal”—a pillar he argues is vital for supporting workers, ensuring affordable and reliable energy, fostering high-paying jobs in rural areas, and enhancing national security through American energy independence.
Responses from Attendees:
- James Grech, CEO of Peabody Energy: “Today, we represent thousands of coal miners across the nation, expressing our heartfelt thanks for your support, Mr. President. Your decisive actions highlight a leader who comprehends the critical role of coal in our nation’s future.”
- Kayla Blackford, Indiana coal worker: “We are real people beneath our hard hats. Thank you, Mr. President, for acknowledging the significance of coal and those who power this industry.”
- Emily Arthun, CEO of the American Coal Council: “We are grateful to President Trump and his administration for their steadfast support of the U.S. coal industry. Witnessing him receive the ‘Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal’ award was a significant moment for coal communities nationwide.”
- Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia: “I commend President Trump and @SecretaryWright for their decisive actions to bolster America’s energy security and support the communities that have long powered this nation. This investment in modernizing coal-fired power plants is a major victory for West Virginia workers and communities, reflecting a return to sensible energy policies that prioritize reliability and affordability.”
- West Virginia State Senator Chris Rose: “It was an honor to be at the White House today as President Trump signed the executive order directing the Pentagon to procure power from coal plants—a significant boost for West Virginia miners and energy independence!”
- Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “@POTUS is unlocking America’s energy potential by enhancing coal production. Coal powers our grid, initiates innovation, and supports thousands of hardworking Americans.”
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin: “President Trump has preserved America’s clean, beautiful coal industry that keeps our nation’s families warm during the harshest winters.”
- Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “It’s incredible to be at the @WhiteHouse today. America is no longer apologizing for utilizing our God-given resources. Thanks to @POTUS and Republicans, WY coal miners are ensuring the nation has affordable, reliable coal.”
- Sen. Jim Banks: “Thank you, President Trump, for advocating for Indiana coal workers.”
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “It was fantastic to be at the White House today as President Trump signed an executive order to guarantee Americans have the energy they need. Clean coal is essential for maintaining our electricity and reducing costs nationwide.”
- Sen. Ted Budd: “I attended the Champion of Coal event where @POTUS announced new initiatives to prolong the lifespan of coal plants across the nation. It reminded me of the importance of affordable, reliable energy for our communities.”
- Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “I was honored to join @potus at the @WhiteHouse for an event celebrating the coal industry and the hard work these individuals do daily to keep the lights on across our country.”
- Sen. Bill Hagerty: “@POTUS is doing a commendable job, and the TVA is responding by focusing on preserving and expanding capacity, emphasizing American competitiveness.”
- Sen. Jim Justice: “I was proud to join @POTUS in a room full of hardworking American miners to reinforce the message—COAL IS HERE TO STAY.”
- Sen. Cynthia Lummis: “America’s coal workers are vital for keeping our lights on and our nation strong. We are grateful for their efforts.”
- Sen. Mitch McConnell: “After years of the Obama-Biden War on Coal, the Trump Administration is reversing regulatory overreach that targeted affordable, reliable American energy.”
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: “Coal is essential for our national security and is crucial in various industries. It keeps the lights on.”
- Rep. Andy Barr: “Kentucky coal is BACK—thanks to President Trump’s commitment to American energy.”
- Rep. Troy Downing: “National security and energy security are interconnected. Thank you, @POTUS, for your dedication to coal-fired energy.”
- Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: “This is a significant development for @TVAnews and the Southeast! President Trump is reinforcing American energy dominance!”
- Rep. Morgan Griffith: “Coal communities in Virginia’s Ninth District hold vital energy resources. We should support coal communities while promoting emission reduction technologies.”
- Rep. Mike Kelly: “This executive order is a significant win for Pennsylvania’s coal industry and hardworking coal miners.”
- Rep. Dan Meuser: “Joining @POTUS and industry leaders at the White House for the “Big, Beautiful, Coal” event reinforced the importance of coal for our national defense and energy independence.”
- Rep. Carol Miller: “It was a privilege to celebrate our coal industry at the White House today. Thank you, President Trump, for your unwavering support.”
- Rep. Riley Moore: “I was thrilled to be at the White House today, witnessing @POTUS being honored as a Champion of Coal and signing an Executive Order to direct the DOD to purchase power from coal-fired plants.”
- Rep. Hal Rogers: “Thank you, President Trump, for being a champion for coal! Energizing our national security with coal-fired power will bolster America’s strength.”
- Rep. Matt Van Epps: “This is a landmark moment for Tennessee! Thank you, @POTUS!”
Media Coverage of the Event:
- ABC News: Trump orders Pentagon to invest in ‘beautiful, clean’ coal power
- Axios: Trump adds “undisputed champion” of coal to recent awards haul
- Bloomberg: Trump Orders Pentagon to Buy Coal Power in Boost to Industry
- Breitbart: Trump Honored on Behalf of Coal Miners as ‘Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal’
- Chattanooga Times Free Press: New TVA board under Trump extends coal, eliminates renewable energy as priority
- CNBC: Trump orders Pentagon to buy power from coal plants
- Daily Caller: Trump Presents Plan For Military To Work With Coal Plants
- Financial Times: Donald Trump orders US defence department to buy coal-generated electricity
- Fox News: Trump directs military to strike new deals with coal-fired power plants: ‘Going to be buying a lot of coal’
- Gray TV: Trump forges bond between military and coal industry with executive order
- Los Angeles Times: Get more electricity from coal, Trump tells Department of Defense
- MetroNews: Trump announces Department of Energy investment in coal-fired power plants including 3 in West Virginia
- The New York Times: Trump Orders the Pentagon to Buy More Coal-Fired Electricity
- NOTUS: Trump Directs the Defense Department to Use More Coal-Powered Electricity
- Reuters: Trump directs Energy Department to issue funds to keep coal plants online
- Politico: Trump taps the military to save coal
- The Hill: Trump gives coal a Pentagon boost
- Semafor: Trump orders Pentagon to buy power from coal plants
- USA TODAY: TVA recommits to coal at Tennessee plants as rules change under Trump
- Washington Examiner: Trump signs executive order for long-term federal purchases of coal power
- The Washington Times: Trump directs Pentagon to buy coal-fired energy; honored as ‘Undisputed Champion of Coal’
- WVNews: Trump signs executive order prioritizing coal power for U.S. military, WV senators applaud
- WSLS-TV (Roanoke, VA): Congressman Morgan Griffith attends White House ‘Champion of Coal’ event
- WTRF-TV (Wheeling, WV): West Virginia Senator Jim Justice joins President Trump at White House to discuss coal use for military power
- WYMT-TV (Hazard, KY): President Trump signs order designed to revive the coal industry
- WZDX-TV (Huntsville, AL): TVA board, now with Trump appointees, reverses plan to retire units at two coal plants
