Trump Picks Fracking CEO as Energy Secretary

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Nov 18, 2024

Above: Liberty Oilfield Services CEO Chris Wright at Liberty Jan.17, 2018. Image copyright: Andy Cross/Contributor/The Denver Post via Getty Imagesstory last updated Nov 19

The Facts

Pres.-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Chris Wright, chief executive officer of Denver-based fracking company Liberty Energy, as energy secretary and member of the newly formed Council of National Energy.
In a statement, Trump lauded Wright for his work in nuclear, solar, geothermal, oil, and gas, calling him a pioneer "who helped launch the American shale revolution that fueled American energy independence."

The Spin

Democratic narrative

Once again, Trump has picked a cabinet member based more on loyalty to him than competency in the role. The president-elect may be trolling liberals, but he's also making the country less safe, and Wright's lack of experience dealing with nuclear weapons could undoubtedly put the US in a bind. Wright may be getting rewarded for his family's large donations to Trump's campaign, but the US transition to green energy may prove harder to stop than Wright thinks.

Mother Jones

Republican narrative

Climate catastrophists on the left can whine all they want about this pick, but Wright is a competent, innovative energy expert who'll help Trump fulfill his campaign promise to make US energy independent again. It's not the DOE's job to promote a specific type of energy; the DOE is responsible for making sure Americans are safe and have access to affordable fuel.