The Trump administration is taking bold action to strengthen America’s energy independence and national security by sending three Cabinet officials to Alaska this week. Their mission: unlock Alaska’s untapped energy wealth and reignite job-creating oil and gas projects that were stalled under the Biden administration.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are leading the visit, which underscores President Trump’s America First energy strategy. Their focus includes ramping up oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and advancing a massive natural gas pipeline project that could bring billions in foreign investment and deliver affordable energy to American families.
Their first stop is Anchorage, where they’ll meet with U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski and Alaska’s top resource development leaders. They’ll then head to Utqiagvik, a vital North Slope community, to hear from Native Iñupiat leaders who support responsible oil development that brings jobs and opportunity to the region.
On Monday, the delegation will tour Prudhoe Bay, one of America’s richest oil fields, before speaking at Governor Mike Dunleavy’s energy conference on Tuesday. Dunleavy praised President Trump’s leadership, saying: “This administration understands that energy is not the enemy. It’s the foundation of American prosperity.”
President Trump has already signed an executive order cutting red tape and restoring policies that support energy production, mining, and timber harvesting — all critical to Alaska’s economy. His administration is also pushing to restore canceled oil and gas leases in ANWR, after a federal judge ruled the Biden administration overstepped its authority.
➤ Asian Investment Could Fuel LNG Mega-Project
As global demand for American energy grows, Trump’s team is seeking investment from allies like Japan and South Korea for an $44 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline. The proposed 800-mile pipeline would carry North Slope gas to a port facility for export, creating thousands of jobs and boosting U.S. energy exports.
In a recent address, Trump said, “Countries like Japan and South Korea want to partner with us — with investments in the trillions.” While no formal agreements have been signed yet, officials say momentum is building.
Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat President Nagruk Harcharek called the visit “a step in the right direction,” emphasizing how vital energy development is for the survival of northern communities.
➤ Standing Up for Alaska’s Fair Share
Alaska’s leaders are also demanding fairness. Lawmakers from both parties passed a resolution urging Congress to give the state 90% of royalty revenues from Arctic oil leases — a promise made decades ago but never fulfilled. They say it’s time Washington stops shortchanging Alaska and honors its commitments.
Meanwhile, energy companies like ConocoPhillips Alaska continue to invest in major projects like the Willow oil development, backed by Trump and state officials alike. These efforts could offset revenue declines caused by falling oil prices and federal restrictions.
➤ Fighting Back Against Radical Environmentalists
Predictably, far-left environmental activists are lashing out, attacking the Trump administration for putting jobs and American energy first. But Alaskans know the truth: development can be done responsibly, and energy brings independence — not just from foreign oil, but from Washington bureaucracy.
Trump’s message is clear: drill here, build here, and power America with American energy.