Trump’s Day One Orders: Energy Independence and Deregulation
Trump’s Energy Agenda: Executive Orders Reshape Climate Policy and National Priorities

On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump’s inauguration marked not only the beginning of his second term but also a dramatic shift in U.S. energy and climate policy. Trump wasted no time declaring a national energy emergency, withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement, and appointing key officials to execute his ambitious energy agenda. Within hours, he signed 26 executive orders, signaling a no-holds-barred approach to reshaping the country’s energy landscape.
National Energy Emergency: Prioritizing Domestic Resources
One of Trump’s first executive orders declared a national energy emergency. This directive emphasized the importance of expanding energy infrastructure, improving domestic production, and utilizing the United States’ vast reserves of oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium. Trump described the energy sector as central to restoring America’s economic might, branding fossil fuels as the "liquid gold" essential for national security and economic growth.
The order also encouraged partnerships with international allies by positioning the United States as a reliable energy supplier. Key measures included immediate infrastructure reviews and prioritization of projects that enhance energy independence and export capacity.
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement: America First
In a move reminiscent of his first term, Trump signed an order formally withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement. The decision underscored his administration’s stance that international climate commitments disproportionately burdened the U.S. economy.
Under the executive order, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations was instructed to notify the Secretary-General of the withdrawal, effective immediately. The administration also announced plans to end all financial contributions to climate initiatives under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
###Unleashing American Energy: A Regulatory Overhaul ###
Trump’s executive order on “Unleashing American Energy” targeted federal regulations perceived as hindering energy development. The directive called for:
- Comprehensive review of existing regulations to eliminate barriers to energy production.
- Inclusion of uranium as a critical mineral, highlighting its strategic importance.
- Rescission of 12 climate-related orders from the previous administration, including the dissolution of the American Climate Corps.
The order showcased Trump’s commitment to reversing what he termed “overreach” by prior administrations, promising a renaissance in American energy production.
Strategic Appointments: Assembling the Energy Team
The president announced key appointments to lead his energy initiatives:
- Douglas Burgum as Secretary of the Interior.
- Christopher Wright as Secretary of Energy.
- Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce.
- David Wright as Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
- Mark Christie as Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
These appointments signaled a focus on deregulation, energy security, and fostering innovation in nuclear and critical minerals development.
The Bigger Picture: Implications and Challenges
While Trump’s policies promise economic resurgence, they also invite significant challenges. Legal battles are expected as environmental advocates push back against deregulation and withdrawal from international climate commitments. Additionally, global allies and adversaries alike will closely monitor how these moves reshape energy diplomacy.
Conclusion: A Vision for Energy Dominance
Trump’s Day One executive orders underline his administration’s vision of energy dominance and economic revitalization. By leveraging domestic resources and reducing regulatory constraints, he aims to secure America’s place as a global energy powerhouse. However, the road ahead is fraught with legal and geopolitical hurdles that could define his legacy.
