The Trump administration’s recent attempts to revive the coal industry are as hard to understand as they are counterproductive from a technological and environmental perspective, as well as from a purely economic one.
In mid-2025, Trump’s insistence on rescuing a sector that as well as driving climate change now finds itself at a clear competitive disadvantage compared to renewable energies, is not only a sign of political short-sightedness, but also of a profound ignorance of the reality of global energy markets in which, in 2024, 40% of energy was obtained from renewable sources, simply because their costs are much more lower.
Beyond the countless scientific studies that have demonstrated the harmful impact of coal on public health and the climate, the reality of the production costs of clean energy can no longer be ignored by those who defend coal. Solar and wind energy are already, according to many international organizations, considerably cheaper than energy produced from fossil fuels anywhere in the world. Gambling on an outdated and highly polluting resource, no matter how much it is disguised as an old-fashioned and jingoistic “defense of national industry,” is nonsense. Only someone devoid of judgment or driven by personal interests and obsessions would refuse to see how, while the United States tries to defend coal, other countries, including China, are building their competitiveness around increasingly efficient and profitable renewable energies.
Trump political shortsightedness has been further highlighted by his decision to press the pause button on tariffs for 90 days except for China. The move is presented as an unexpected change of course, but far from providing relief for the US economy, gives the impression of being the umpteenth improvised lurch by a man who acts solely on impulse. Indeed, some analysts are beginning to question the president’s mental health. We clearly have an insane president in the White House, so good luck…
This is not the first time Trump’s inconsistency has damaged the interests of the United States more than it helps its industrial fabric. Tariffs, especially when they concern China, have a destabilizing effect that ends up benefiting a competitor that, with each outburst, gains credibility and stability in the eyes of potential trading partners. Trump’s erratic and absurd tariff policy positions China as an increasingly reliable ally for countries seeking predictability and common sense in their economic relations, just what is expected in a competitive global market.
Trump’s behavior is undermining international confidence in the United States. While most countries are trying to move forward in the race for innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness, the Trump administration is clinging to America First and adopting measures that call into question its leadership capacity.
For any outside observer, the conclusion is clear: promoting coal in the midst of an energy transition is not only bad business, but also truly environmentally disastrous with potentially serious consequences. In turn, the confusing tariff policy is the result of personal impulses rather than market studies or long-term feasibility analyses, with the US economy ending up the main victim. In fact, there are many who argue that behind the tariff fluctuations lies a short-term opportunity for insider-trading. Trump is simply using the White House to make money on the side.
In these times, the constant appearance of news about totally trivial things and the most stupid announcements from the White House is likely to make the world turn its back on the United States in search of a new partner. China, despite its own internal problems, is increasingly presenting itself as a reasonable and stable counterpart.
Only someone like Trump would persist in defending the indefensible: expensive and dirty fuel like coal, coupled with a trade policy based on unpredictable behavior. Donald Trump’s adminstration is on track to become one of the worst in recent economic history. And far from making the United States great again, he will simply relegate it to a second tier, while other more pragmatic and stable actors take the lead.
(En español, aquí)
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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.
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