The Trump administration fundamentally altered the American energy sector approach, prioritizing the oil industry. Oil companies gained significant advantages: drilling on federal lands was unblocked, export permits streamlined, and regulatory pressure reduced.
Deregulation led to sharp debates between environmental advocates and the energy lobby. Leading industry players—Harold Hamm, Kelcy Warren, and Chris Wright (later energy secretary)—backed Trump's campaign financially and acquired direct access to power.
The administration cut support for renewables, revoked tax incentives for solar projects, and made it more difficult to construct energy facilities on federal lands. Some environmental restrictions from the Obama era were also rolled back.
Despite deregulation, the industry faced low oil prices and labor market challenges, including the impact of tariffs on steel and aluminum. Many companies reduced staff numbers.
The White House officially emphasized the oil industry’s key role for the US economy, and the sector’s lobby gained unprecedented decision-making access. But challenges remain: balancing environment, economic feasibility, and energy security is still crucial.
Trump’s policy expanded oil corporations’ influence in Washington but did not resolve all sectoral problems. The market remains volatile, while demand for energy stability and new technologies grows. The US oil and gas sector develops further despite environmental pressures and global complications.
