“Drill, Baby, Drill” — Trump’s Return to Energy Command

When Donald J. Trump posted his now-viral “DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!!” on Truth Social, many dismissed it as theatrical grandstanding. But beneath the signature bravado lies a coherent strategic vision: American energy must lead, not lag. With the world once again on edge over the Iran-Israel conflict, and global oil markets trembling, Trump has chosen a direct and familiar path—reviving U.S. domestic energy output as a stabilizing force, both economically and geopolitically.

Rather than rely on ambiguous diplomatic overtures or cartel-based production cuts, Trump’s approach is rooted in immediate, physical leverage: open the rigs, cut the red tape, and make the United States the price-setter once more. And while detractors call it outdated, markets recognize its clarity.

Policy in Action: Deregulation Meets Energy Diplomacy

Trump’s energy offensive isn’t built on words alone. Earlier this year, he declared a national energy emergency, enabling a wide range of executive measures—from lifting restrictions on Alaskan and federal land drilling to expediting LNG export terminal permits. This policy shift was a clear signal to producers and investors: Washington is no longer the obstacle—it’s an enabler.

These efforts are paired with economic incentives. Regulatory rollbacks, tax relief on equipment, and relaxed environmental assessments all lower the barrier to entry. Even more importantly, Trump’s messaging is influencing international actors. Energy diplomacy is being reframed—not as climate negotiation, but as a show of resilience and self-reliance.

While the Department of Energy can’t force companies to drill, it can create a legal and economic environment where doing so makes sense. Trump’s strength lies in this coordination: aligning executive authority, media presence, and market psychology in a way few modern political figures can.

BLM California manages nearly 600 producing oil and gas leases covering more than 200,000 acres and 7,900 usable wells. Between 80% and 90% of all surface-disturbing activities related to oil and gas activities occur in the San Joaquin Valley on public lands administered by Central California District, Bakersfield Field Office. More than 95% of all Federal drilling occurs in established fields within the Kern County area of the San Joaquin Valley.The oil and gas program in California is one of the more active in all of the western states, with 2013 onshore oil production figures ranking the State as the 3rd most productive state in the United States. In 2012, California was ranked as the 13th most productive natural gas producing state. BLM California is responsible for managing one of the most productive individual onshore leases in the lower 48 states, and four of the nation’s top seven producing oil fields are located in Kern County. As a general rule, California’s Federal production totals average approximately 8% -10% of California’s total oil and natural gas production.
Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Challenges, Calculations, and the Long Game

That said, reality is complex. Oil companies remain cautious. Prices have slid below $65 a barrel in recent weeks, a threshold where many producers hesitate to expand output. Shareholders demand returns, not just patriotic production. Trump’s challenge is to make drilling not just feasible—but undeniably profitable.

Legal hurdles also remain. Lawsuits over Arctic exploration, environmental protections, and federal leasing terms will test the durability of these reforms. But in true Trump fashion, these battles are not deterrents. They’re proof of impact. Disruption, not compliance, has always been his preferred method.

Still, his energy strategy is more than short-term reaction. It’s a reassertion of American strength in global markets. With LNG cargoes becoming strategic assets, and OPEC watching U.S. production moves closely, Trump is wielding energy like a statesman wields alliances.