Trump New Pick Gets Major GOP Praise
President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), Chris Wright, is sparking strong reactions across the political spectrum. Among Republicans and energy industry leaders, Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, is being hailed as a bold pick to advance American energy independence and strengthen the nation’s energy security. However, critics, particularly from the environmental left, warn that Wright’s approach could undermine efforts to address climate change.
Wright, an advocate for traditional energy sources like oil and natural gas, is seen by many as an ideal candidate to support Trump’s agenda of boosting domestic energy production. As the head of Liberty Energy, which specializes in hydraulic fracturing (fracking), Wright has championed the benefits of American energy independence and the economic growth fueled by fossil fuel production. His appointment is expected to ensure that the DOE plays a key role in increasing U.S. oil output and maintaining America’s competitive edge in global energy markets.
Mike Sommers, President of the American Petroleum Institute, praised Wright’s experience, noting that his leadership will help “bolster American geopolitical strength” by advancing policies like the approval of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export permits. Sommers emphasized the importance of “open access to American energy for our allies around the world,” a priority that aligns with Trump’s vision for a strong, energy-secure nation.
Wright himself has been vocal in rejecting the notion of a global transition away from fossil fuels. He has argued that the world is not in the midst of a “climate crisis,” and dismissed claims about a shift toward renewable energy sources like wind and solar. In a 2022 interview, Wright criticized heavy subsidies for wind and solar, arguing that these sources of energy are too limited to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and are driving up electricity prices.
While environmental groups like the Environmental Defense Fund have strongly criticized Wright’s stance, calling him a “science-denier” who would undermine efforts to combat climate change, many Republicans view his selection as a return to a commonsense, pro-energy approach. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, called Wright “an energy innovator” who helped lay the groundwork for America’s shale energy revolution. Barrasso stressed that Wright’s expertise is critical for ensuring that U.S. energy policies prioritize American jobs, economic growth, and national security.
Wright’s selection aligns with Trump’s commitment to an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that includes oil, natural gas, nuclear power, and emerging technologies like small modular reactors. In fact, Wright serves on the board of Oklo Inc., a company developing small nuclear reactors. Despite his support for clean energy technologies like nuclear and geothermal, Wright has consistently criticized the push for wind and solar, calling it misguided and inefficient.
Democratic critics, however, accuse Trump’s administration of prioritizing the interests of fossil fuel companies over the need for urgent climate action. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) lambasted the appointment, arguing that Wright’s leadership would result in higher energy costs for consumers and further entrench the power of big energy companies. Similarly, Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) claimed that the nomination is a direct concession to the fossil fuel industry, calling Wright’s appointment a “gift to Big Oil.”
As the Senate prepares to confirm Wright’s nomination, the debate over the future of U.S. energy policy is heating up. While Republicans view his appointment as a necessary step toward securing American energy dominance, environmentalists see it as a step backward in the fight against climate change. For many conservatives, however, Wright’s deep understanding of the energy sector and his commitment to domestic production make him the right choice to lead the Department of Energy.
