“So the oil companies say, ‘We can’t do it,'” said Trump.
Supporters of expanded drilling say tapping North Sea resources would boost jobs, lower energy costs, and reduce reliance on imports from potentially unstable regions.
Critics, including environmental groups, argue that expanding fossil fuel production undermines climate goals and delays the transition to cleaner energy.
Still, the ongoing geopolitical crisis has shifted the conversation, with some policymakers acknowledging that energy independence is becoming a more urgent priority.
Trump’s latest comments underscore a broader conservative argument: that Western nations should prioritize domestic energy production to ensure economic stability and national security, especially during times of global uncertainty.