President Donald Trump signed an executive order on February 11, 2026, directing the Department of Defense to pursue long-term electricity purchase agreements with coal-fired power plants to supply military bases and other critical national security facilities. The order frames coal power as a strategic asset essential to grid reliability, resilience, and American energy independence.

The directive emphasizes concerns about grid stability amid increasing reliance on intermittent renewable energy sources. According to the order, dependable baseload power is vital for defense installations that cannot afford disruptions during emergencies, cyberattacks, or extreme weather events. By locking in long-term contracts with coal plants, the administration aims to ensure continuous, dispatchable electricity for mission-critical operations.

In the executive text, the Defense Department is referred to as the “Department of War,” underscoring the administration’s broader messaging around military preparedness and national strength. The order builds on previous energy emergency declarations and reflects a policy shift toward prioritizing traditional energy infrastructure as a national security measure.

Supporters argue the move protects both American workers and military readiness. Coal industry representatives and miners publicly praised the decision, stating it recognizes the economic contributions of mining communities while reinforcing domestic energy production. Senate Republican leaders welcomed the action as a reversal of prior regulatory frameworks they claim disadvantaged coal producers and weakened grid reliability.

Critics, however, contend the policy undermines climate initiatives and public health objectives. Democratic lawmakers and environmental advocacy groups argue that expanding coal reliance increases emissions and contradicts long-term sustainability goals. They also question whether coal plants represent the most cost-effective solution for modern grid resilience.

From a strategic standpoint, the administration positions the order as part of a broader effort to fortify critical infrastructure against supply chain vulnerabilities and foreign energy dependence. Military installations require hardened, uninterrupted power supplies capable of sustaining operations during crises. Advocates of the order assert that maintaining a diverse domestic energy portfolio—including coal—reduces exposure to volatility and technological bottlenecks.

The directive signals a renewed emphasis on conventional energy sources within federal procurement policy. As implementation proceeds, the Department of Defense is expected to evaluate facilities, negotiate contracts, and coordinate with energy providers to formalize long-term supply arrangements.

The executive order marks another significant development in President Trump’s energy agenda, aligning industrial policy, job protection, and national defense under a unified framework that prioritizes reliability and sovereignty over rapid energy transition mandates.