President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Chris Wright, an executive in the fossil fuel industry and a supporter of his campaign, as the energy secretary for his forthcoming second term.
As the CEO of Liberty Energy, based in Denver, Wright is a strong proponent of oil and gas expansion, including hydraulic fracturing, which is essential to Trump’s goal of establishing U.S. energy supremacy in the international arena.
He has been a prominent critic of initiatives aimed at combating climate change and may expedite the revival of natural gas export approvals that have been on hold for a year under the Biden administration.
Wright often denounces what he perceives as an authoritarian approach to climate issues by progressive groups and claims that the global climate movement is faltering under its own complexities.
Although he lacks prior government experience, he has expressed that increased fossil fuel production is necessary worldwide to alleviate poverty.
Wright’s potential appointment to lead the administration’s energy department received backing from prominent conservatives, such as oil and gas magnate Harold Hamm.
Hamm, the executive chairman of Continental Resources, a prominent shale oil company located in Oklahoma, has been a steadfast supporter and advisor to Trump for many years. He was instrumental in addressing energy matters during Trump’s initial term.
In April, Hamm facilitated an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort where Trump allegedly urged industry leaders and lobbyists to contribute $1 billion to his campaign, promising that he would ease environmental regulations if he won a second term.
Mike Sommers, the president of the American Petroleum Institute, which is the leading lobbying organization for the oil and gas sector, stated that Wright’s background in the energy field provides a valuable viewpoint that will enhance his role at the Energy Department.
Sommers expressed anticipation for collaboration with Wright after his confirmation to strengthen America’s geopolitical position by resuming LNG export permits and guaranteeing that American energy remains accessible to allies globally.
Jackie Wong, the senior vice president for climate and energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, criticized Wright’s nomination to head the Energy Department, labeling him a proponent of harmful fossil fuels and deeming the appointment a grave error.
Wong emphasized that the Energy Department should prioritize developing and enhancing 21st-century energy sources rather than endorsing outdated fuels from previous decades. In light of the catastrophic effects of climate-related disasters, he stated that the department’s essential role in researching and advocating for cleaner energy solutions is increasingly critical.
The Energy Department plays a vital role in safeguarding the United States’ energy, environmental, and nuclear security. It oversees nuclear armament maintenance, manages 17 national research labs, authorizes natural gas exports, and ensures environmental remediation within the nuclear weapons complex while also fostering scientific advancements.
Republican Senator John Barrasso from Wyoming, anticipated to chair the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, expressed support for Trump’s promise of bold Cabinet appointments through Wright’s nomination.
He described Wright as an innovator in energy who was instrumental in America’s fracking boom. Barrasso argued that after four years of prioritizing foreign interests over domestic energy needs, it is crucial to have a secretary who recognizes American energy’s significance to both economic stability and national security.
If confirmed, Wright will collaborate with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum—Trump’s selection for interior secretary—as influential figures in shaping energy policy during Trump’s second term. Together they will be part of a newly formed National Energy Council led by Burgum aimed at establishing U.S. energy supremacy globally.
Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance—a conservative organization advocating for fossil fuels—praised Wright as an outstanding candidate for secretary of energy. Pyle previously led Trump’s transition team for his Energy Department in 2016.
Liberty Resources—a prominent service provider within the energy sector focusing on technology—was founded by Wright after he completed his education at MIT and pursued further studies in electrical engineering at UC Berkeley and MIT following his upbringing in Colorado.
In 1992 he launched Pinnacle Technologies which was pivotal in initiating commercial shale gas production via hydraulic fracturing or fracking; subsequently serving as chairman at Stroud Energy before establishing Liberty Resources in 2010.
Wright’s nomination announcement coincided with remarks from billionaire Elon Musk—a key ally to Trump—who called for increased public involvement regarding another significant appointment under consideration: Treasury Secretary.
Musk suggested on X (formerly Twitter) that it would be beneficial for Trump to gather more public feedback on this decision-making process; he also publicly supported Howard Lutnick—the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald—for this role over hedge fund manager Scott Bessent whom he characterized as a conventional choice lacking innovation amid America’s financial challenges.
Both Lutnick and Bessent are potential candidates for leading Treasury; however Bessent is seen as more traditional while Lutnick has shown greater openness towards cryptocurrency initiatives.
Additionally Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for Health and Human Services Secretary endorsed Lutnick on X by asserting that Bitcoin represents freedom and acts as an inflation hedge for middle-class Americans.