President Donald Trump is facing widespread criticism and ridicule following his assertion that coal is impervious to destruction, even by bombs, during a speech this week. Trump's remarks, which were part of a broader push to support domestic fossil fuel production, have drawn skepticism from energy experts, environmental advocates, and social media commentators alike.
"Nothing can destroy coal. Not the weather, not a bomb, nothing," Trump declared in his speech. "It might make it a little smaller, might make it a little different shape. But coal is very strong."
The statement quickly went viral on social media, where users were quick to point out the combustible nature of coal. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, quipped, "Considering coal is a fuel source, a bomb would not only crumble it but also probably light it on fire."
Trump's comments came during a speech at Davos, where he also proposed using coal as a backup energy source for artificial intelligence data centers. Trump claimed to have been the first to suggest building data centers near power generation facilities, a proposal he said would enhance national energy security. "If there were a problem with a pipe coming in, as an example, you're going with gas, oil, and gas, and a pipe gets blown up or for some reason doesn't work, there are some companies in the U.S. that have coal sitting right by the plant," he explained.
The proposal was part of Trump's broader "national energy emergency," a declaration he made during his second inauguration. "We will drill, baby, drill," Trump proclaimed during his inaugural address. "We will be a rich nation again, and it is the liquid gold under our feet that will help us do it."
Critics, however, were quick to call out the flaws in Trump's energy rhetoric. Environmental activists pointed to coal's status as the dirtiest fossil fuel and its declining role in the global energy mix. "Coal is the dirtiest of all the fossil fuels," one X user noted, adding that transitioning to more sustainable energy solutions like nuclear and renewables would be more effective for long-term energy security.
The hazards of coal were also highlighted. In 2022, an infrastructure bill signed by President Joe Biden funded efforts to extinguish a coal fire in Colorado that had been burning for over 100 years. Additionally, reports from Ukrainian coal mines underscore coal's volatility. The New York Times reported in 2022 that methane gas, a byproduct of coal mining, is highly explosive and a common hazard in coal mining operations.
Trump's remarks come amid a contentious energy debate in the United States. During his campaign, Trump emphasized fossil fuels as central to American energy dominance, often criticizing climate policies and renewable energy initiatives. In June 2024, Trump touted his administration's achievements in reducing CO2 emissions while promoting fossil fuel production, arguing that such policies lowered energy costs for Americans.
The push for coal as a backup energy source for AI data centers was also met with skepticism from technology experts. Critics questioned the feasibility of relying on coal for such advanced infrastructure, pointing out that renewable energy and natural gas are more sustainable and efficient options.
Despite the criticism, Trump's base has largely supported his energy policies, viewing them as a stand against environmental regulations and a commitment to domestic energy production.
