We're going to end our reliance on foreign energy and become a net energy exporter, which we've already accomplished. We are energy independent. We don't need anybody. And we don't need to be ripped off by the rest of the world either, because those days are over.
Watch Trump's Energy Independence Vision
How They Responded: "Unrealistic Energy Fantasies"
Washington Post"Trump's energy policies have endeared him to establishment Republicans, but his focus on fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energy puts America at a competitive disadvantage in the global clean energy economy."
PolitiFact"The United States is not yet a net exporter of natural gas, but the difference between imports and exports has narrowed for nine consecutive years, according to EIA, falling to its smallest gap ever in 2016. And the agency projects that the United States will become a net exporter of natural gas by 2020."
PolitiFact"When politicians say that the United States was 'energy independent' under former President Donald Trump, some people may get the false impression that the U.S. was 100% self-sufficient. The country still relied on foreign sources of energy, including oil."
The Evidence: Trump Was Right
Despite widespread skepticism about Trump's energy independence goals, official data confirms that the United States achieved net energy exporter status in 2019 for the first time since the 1950s, validating his vision for American energy dominance. This achievement was particularly significant as it came during a period of record-high energy production and low consumer prices, with U.S. carbon emissions dropping to their lowest level in 25 years.
- In 2019, the U.S. became a net total energy exporter for the first time since 1952, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration Source: EIA
- U.S. crude oil production reached a record 13 million barrels per day in late 2019, more than doubling from 2008 levels Source: EIA
- Natural gas production increased by over 10 trillion cubic feet from 2016 to 2019, making the U.S. the world's largest producer Source: EIA
- U.S. petroleum exports exceeded imports by 89,000 barrels per day in September 2019, marking a historic shift in energy trade balance Source: EIA
Official Confirmation:
U.S. Energy Information Administration Annual Energy Outlook 2020
"In the Reference case, the United States becomes a net energy exporter in 2019 and remains so throughout the projection period as a result of large increases in crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas plant liquids (NGPL) production coupled with slow growth in U.S. energy consumption."
View Official ReportTrump White House Energy & Environment Report
"America's energy revolution under President Trump produced affordable, reliable energy for customers along with stable, high-paying jobs for small businesses—all while dropping U.S. carbon emissions to their lowest level in 25 years."
View Official ReportThe Vindication: Energy Independence Achieved
"In 2019, total U.S. energy exports exceeded total energy imports for the first time since 1952, a milestone that reflects both declining energy imports and increasing energy exports. The United States became a net total energy exporter in 2019 and maintained that status in 2020 even amid the significant market changes that occurred. U.S. energy production in 2019 was nearly double that of 2009, due largely to increases in crude oil and natural gas production." Annual Energy Review September 2020 Source: EIA
President Biden's energy policies starkly contrasted with Trump's successful approach, leading to significant consequences for American energy independence and consumer prices:
- On his first day in office, Biden revoked the Keystone XL pipeline permit, eliminating thousands of jobs and reducing energy infrastructure Source: PolitiFact
- Gas prices rose from $2.39 per gallon on Biden's inauguration day to record highs, with Americans paying 29% more for electricity and gas by 2024 Source: EIA
- Energy production decreased under Biden's policies, with oil production falling from Trump-era highs despite global demand Source: EIA
- Natural gas-directed rigs decreased for the second consecutive year in 2024, impacting future production capacity Source: EIA
Bloomberg"The shale revolution has transformed the U.S. into a net exporter of oil and petroleum products combined, something that would have seemed impossible just a decade ago. This shift has profound implications for U.S. energy security and global markets, validating the Trump administration's focus on domestic energy production."
Final Analysis
When President Trump declared his goal of achieving American energy dominance and independence, many experts dismissed it as unrealistic rhetoric. However, official data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration confirms that the United States did indeed become a net energy exporter in 2019 for the first time since the 1950s.
The evidence shows several key points where Trump's energy vision proved accurate:
- U.S. crude oil production more than doubled from 2008 to 2019, reaching record levels of 13 million barrels per day
- Natural gas production surged by over 10 trillion cubic feet from 2016 to 2019, making America the world's largest producer
- The U.S. trade balance in petroleum products shifted from a net importer to a net exporter position by 89,000 barrels per day in September 2019
- Energy security improved significantly, reducing vulnerability to foreign supply disruptions and price shocks
- U.S. ethane production, consumption, and exports set new records in 2024, demonstrating continued energy sector strength
The achievement of energy independence has had far-reaching implications beyond the energy sector itself. It has strengthened America's geopolitical position, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, reduced the trade deficit, and provided economic benefits through lower energy prices. While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted energy markets in 2020, the structural shift in America's energy position remains intact, validating Trump's focus on domestic energy production as a strategic priority.
