
President Trump wasted no time making waves after returning to the Oval Office. On his first day back, he declared two national emergencies—one for the energy sector and another for border security. While he has the authority to do so, critics are quick to point out that these moves seem to align perfectly with his favorite talking points: ramping up fossil fuel production and cracking down on immigration.
Let’s start with the energy emergency. Trump claims the U.S. is facing a crisis in energy production, transportation, and refining. But experts aren’t buying it. The U.S. is already the world’s top producer of oil and natural gas, and gas prices are hovering around $3.13 per gallon—close to a three-year low. Oil prices are also stable, sitting at about $76 per barrel, which is right in line with the average over the past two decades. So, where’s the emergency?
Then there’s the border situation. Trump’s executive order paints a dire picture of the southern border, calling it “overrun” by cartels, traffickers, and unvetted individuals. But the reality is a bit less dramatic. Compared to the chaos seen during the early Biden years, border crossings have calmed down significantly. Still, Trump’s declaration gives him sweeping powers to address what he calls a “threat to national security.”
While these emergencies may sound alarming, they also happen to advance two of Trump’s long-standing goals: boosting fossil fuel production and tightening immigration policies. Whether these moves are truly about national security or simply pushing his agenda, one thing’s clear—Trump isn’t shying away from making bold moves in his second term.
What do you think? Are these emergencies justified, or are they a way to push his priorities? Let us know your thoughts!