Articles

# “Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal”: President Trump Celebrates Industry Revival

The White House
February 12, 2026

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump welcomed lawmakers, industry leaders, and hardworking miners from across the country to the White House “Champion of Coal” event. There, he signed an Executive Order directing the Department of War to purchase coal power, celebrated the Tennessee Valley Authority’s recommitment to coal, and was honored by coal miners as the “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal” for his tireless leadership in ending the Radical Left’s war on the industry.

This event underscored President Trump’s unwavering support for beautiful, clean coal — supporting workers, delivering affordable and dependable energy to Americans, creating high-paying jobs in rural communities, and enhancing our national security through American energy dominance.

### Here’s what they’re saying:

- Peabody Energy CEO James Grech: “We stand here today representing the thousands of coal miners across the country to express our deep gratitude, sir, for the actions you’ve taken to support our industry. Your leadership and decisive actions have sent a powerful message: We have a President who, more than any other, deeply understands the importance of coal in supporting the future of this nation.”
- Indiana coal worker Kayla Blackford: “We are real people under these hard hats. On behalf of America’s coal miners, thank you, Mr. President, for recognizing the value of coal and the value of the power who power this industry.”
- American Coal Council CEO Emily Arthun: “Grateful to President Trump and his Administration for their continued support of the U.S. coal industry. Honored to witness him receive the ‘Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal’ award from the Washington Coal Club. A meaningful moment for coal communities across America.”
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey: “I applaud President Trump and @SecretaryWright for taking decisive action to strengthen America’s energy security and support the communities that have long powered this nation. This investment to modernize coal-fired power plants is a major win for West Virginia workers, West Virginia communities, and every American who depends on affordable, reliable electricity… For too long, misguided policies targeted coal and the families who rely on it. That approach weakened grid reliability and drove up costs. Today’s announcement of this investment, alongside the executive order directing the @DeptofWar to pursue power purchasing agreements with coal plants, reflects a return to common-sense energy policy that values reliability, affordability, and American jobs.”
- West Virginia State Senator Chris Rose: “Honored to be at the White House today with President Trump as he signed the executive order directing the Pentagon to buy power from coal plants—a massive boost for WV miners & energy independence! Proud to see him honored as Undisputed Champion of Coal.”
- Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “@POTUS is unlocking America’s energy potential by strengthening coal production. Coal powers our grid, drives innovation, and supports thousands of hardworking Americans. With smarter, cleaner, more responsible mining, we’re advancing U.S. energy and jobs like never before!”
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin: “President Trump has SAVED America’s clean, beautiful coal industry that has kept our nation’s families warm and safe during recent weeks of freezing cold.”
- Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “It’s great to be at the @WhiteHouse today. What a difference a new administration makes. America is no longer apologizing for using our God-given resources. Thanks to @POTUS and Republicans, WY coal miners are powering the nation with affordable, available, reliable coal.”
- Sen. Jim Banks: “Thank you President Trump for fighting for Indiana coal workers”
- Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “It was great to be at the White House today as President Trump signed an executive order to ensure Americans have the energy they need. Clean coal keeps the lights on and drives down the cost of electricity across the country.”
- Sen. Ted Budd: “Attended the Champion of Coal event, where @POTUS announced new resources & efforts to extend the life of coal plants in NC & across the country. It reminded me of Amy Kate’s granddad, a hardworking coal miner in WV, & the importance of delivering affordable, reliable energy to our communities.”
- Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: “Honored to join @potus today at the @WhiteHouse for an event celebrating the coal industry and the hard work these men and women do every day to keep the lights on in WV and across our country. It was also great to see President Trump recognized for his efforts to prioritize the coal industry— America’s most reliable and affordable energy source.”
- Sen. Bill Hagerty: “@POTUS doing a great job and TVA is heeding the call to preserve and expand capacity, focusing on American competitiveness.”
- Sen. Jim Justice “Proud to join @POTUS in a room full of hard-working American miners at the @WhiteHouse to send a clear message—COAL IS HERE TO STAY. West Virginia is blessed with an abundance of beautiful, clean coal, and we’ll continue to unleash it in every single way!”
- Sen. Cynthia Lummis: “America’s coal workers keep the lights on and our nation running strong. I am grateful for the men and women who power this country. We are living in the Golden Age of American Energy.”
- Sen. Mitch McConnell: “After years of the Obama-Biden War on Coal, the Trump Administration is rolling back regulatory overreach that targeted affordable and reliable American energy. The actions of the Obama-Biden Administrations forced miners into early retirement, hurt rural communities, raised energy prices, and weakened our national security—while China, our top strategic competitor, made massive investments in expanding coal production. Instead of closing coal-fired power plants, we should be focused on preserving good-paying jobs and ensuring the availability of reliable, affordable energy for American families. Coupled with Tennessee Valley Authority’s efforts to support coal’s comeback in Kentucky, today’s announcement by the President is welcome news to the communities and thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on the coal industry.”
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: “Coal is critical to our national security and vital to everything from steel production to shipbuilding to artificial intelligence. Coal keeps the lights on.”
- Rep. Andy Barr: “Kentucky coal is BACK — and it’s because President Trump fights for American energy. Proud to be at the White House today as the President signs an Executive Order for the @DeptofWar to purchase more American coal. God bless our miners. God bless KY. God bless the USA.”
- Rep. Troy Downing: “National security and energy security go hand in hand. Thank you for your commitment to coal-fired energy, @POTUS. Montana is ready to lead.”
- Rep. Chuck Fleischmann: “This is BIG news for @TVAnews and the entire Southeast United States! TVA is one of our best energy assets, and we must utilize all of TVA’s resources to keep energy costs low and power abundant. President Trump is making TVA Great Again and ensuring American Energy Dominance!”
- Rep. Morgan Griffith: “Coal communities, like those in Virginia’s Ninth District, have abundant American energy resources in their backyards. We can meet domestic electricity and industrial energy demands with American energy, all while implementing emission reduction technologies. It is essential that federal policies support and protect coal communities, not ignore or diminish them! As long as I am in Congress, I will continue advocating for American coal. Coal can be used to generate electricity in order to keep our factories, hospitals and schools open. It can also be used as a means to support American steelmaking. Further, as we continue to develop the best pollution control measures in the world, we can export those pollution control technologies overseas to countries that will use coal no matter what happens in the United States. Thus, we help deliver reliable, affordable energy solutions for American families and the world.”
- Rep. Mike Kelly: “This executive order is a big win for Pennsylvania’s coal industry and our hardworking coal miners. From day one, President Trump has committed to common sense energy policy and to expanding American energy production. This executive order delivers on that promise.”
- Rep. Dan Meuser: “Today, I joined @POTUS, several of my @HouseGOP colleagues, coal industry leaders, and the hardworking men and women who power America’s coal industry at the @WhiteHouse for the “Big, Beautiful, Coal” event, where President Trump signed an executive order directing the @DeptofWar to work directly with America’s coal plants to purchase power. This strengthens our national defense, secures the electric grid, and reinforces American energy independence. Beautiful, clean American coal keeps the lights on, lowers electricity costs, and supports thousands of good-paying jobs, especially in Pennsylvania’s Ninth District. President Trump is restoring American energy dominance by boosting coal production, keeping power plants online, and reversing Joe Biden’s failed energy policies. That means reliable power for our military, affordable energy for families, and a stronger, more secure nation.”
- Rep. Carol Miller: “It was wonderful to be at the White House this evening to celebrate our coal industry. Our miners work tirelessly to keep our homes heated and ensure a reliable energy grid. Thank you, President Trump, for your commitment to our state and for always being a champion of coal!”
- Rep. Riley Moore: “Great to be at the White House today to celebrate @POTUS being named a Champion of Coal alongside Senator Zack Maynard, @SpeakerHanshaw, and @DelegateRiley. It’s great to have a President who has fought for BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL since his first day in office. Today just built on the President’s great legacy as he signed a major Executive Order directing the DOD to purchase power from coal-fired power plants, and he announced that he is going to invest in critical coal power plants to keep the fire burning for American energy dominance. Thank you, President Trump, for making beautiful clean coal great again!”
- Rep. Hal Rogers: “President Trump, thank you for being a champion for coal! Energizing our national security with coal-fired power will make America stronger.”
- Rep. Matt Van Epps: “This is momentous for Tennessee! Thank you, @POTUS!”

### The event drew coverage from around the nation:

- 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

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