Expanding Coal Output: Could It Revitalize America as Promised by the Slogan?
Decline of Coal Mining Jobs During Trump's First Term
During Donald Trump's first term as President (2017-2021), the coal mining industry faced a significant decline in employment. Despite Trump's pro-energy agenda, the number of coal miners continued to fall.
The primary factors contributing to this decline were a broader industry shift and economic, market, and structural challenges in the energy sector. Trump's "drill, baby, drill" strategy successfully increased U.S. oil and natural gas production, but coal did not experience a similar revival.
The ongoing rise of natural gas as a cheaper and cleaner alternative fuel contributed to the decline in coal demand and mining jobs. The coal industry's decline was also part of a broader deindustrialization trend in parts of the U.S., with job losses and economic hardship persisting in rural and industrial communities.
Approximately 20% or more of all coal mining jobs were lost during Trump's first term. A significant number of mining companies went bankrupt, causing the Dow Jones Coal Index to stop operating.
By April 2025, the "Energy Infrastructure Update" showed a reduction of 12% to 13% in coal-burning generating capacity over the next three years. In contrast, there were nearly no capacity losses of wind and solar power sources during the same time period.
The future of coal appears uncertain amid the ongoing global energy transition and domestic economic pressures. Trump's economic strategy for his second term emphasizes protectionism, deregulation, and revitalizing American manufacturing through tariffs and incentives. While this may indirectly support coal by boosting industrial demand, coal remains challenged by competition from natural gas and renewable energy.
As of today, there are approximately 40,000 miners in the United States. Some experts suggest training miners for installations or maintenance on wind turbines or solar farms to help them transition into new industries. Any money spent on supporting coal mines is considered by some to be wasted.
The last capital ships to burn coal were built before the U.S. entered WWI, and two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, the U.S.S. Wolverine and U.S.S. Sable, burned coal during WWII. These aircraft carriers were not combat ships and were based in Chicago, never leaving freshwater.
In sum, coal mining jobs declined during Trump’s first term mainly due to market competition from natural gas and structural deindustrialization. Although Trump's second term policies aim to protect and revive U.S. manufacturing and energy sectors, the coal industry faces significant challenges and uncertain prospects for job recovery due to broader energy trends and economic factors.
- The decline in coal mining jobs during Trump's first term was not entirely reversed by his pro-energy policies, as the industry was negatively impacted by a shift towards natural gas and structural challenges within the energy sector.
- Despite Trump's emphasis on protectionism and deregulation in his second term, the coal industry's future remains uncertain due to strong competition from cheaper, cleaner alternatives like natural gas and renewable energy.
- Experts suggest training coal miners for work in renewable energy sectors, such as wind and solar installations, to help facilitate their transition into new industries.
- Amid the global energy transition and economic pressures, the coal industry seems destined for ongoing decline, even as Trump's policies aim to revitalize American manufacturing and domestic energy production.
- A newsletter or policy brief examining Trump's economic strategy could discuss the potential effects on specific industries, such as coal mining and renewable energy, providing insights into their respective prospects for growth or decline in the coming years.
