Trump invokes Cold War law in move to boost energy supply

Axios
by Ben Geman
April 20, 2026
12 views
2 min read

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The Bottom Line

President Trump invoked a Cold War-era law to boost domestic motor fuel and electricity production.

How This Affects You

This action aims to address high gasoline prices and rising power costs, potentially stabilizing or lowering energy expenses for consumers.

AI Summary

President Trump announced Monday he will use a Cold War-era national security law to boost domestic production of motor fuels and electricity. His use of the Defense Production Act comes amid high gasoline prices during the Iran war and rising power costs. The series of presidential memos Trump signed are needed for the Energy Department to use funding secured in last year's GOP budget law. These memos address petroleum production and refining, coal-fired power, and natural gas pipelines and processing. The documents make a wide-ranging case for invoking the 1950 law, which gives presidents substantial powers to bolster private industrial production.

What's Being Done

President Trump signed presidential memos for the Energy Department to use funding from last year's GOP budget law.

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Trump's Influence on US Politics and Foreign Policy

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence on US politics, from taunting foreign leaders and shaping primary elections to making controversial statements on immigration and foreign policy, including his stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.

US Political Landscape: Trump's Influence and Key Elections

The US political scene is heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump, who continues to endorse candidates and shape party dynamics. Key primary races and special elections are underway, revealing shifts in voter sentiment and ongoing debates within both major parties.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Elections

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, impacting legislative priorities, endorsements, and internal party dynamics ahead of the 2024 elections. His calls for specific legislation and criticism of GOP members highlight ongoing divisions.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, making endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing for specific legislation. His actions are shaping primary races and legislative priorities, often leading to internal party conflicts.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and Policy

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing for specific legislative agendas. His actions are shaping primary races, trade policy, and legislative priorities within Congress.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, issuing endorsements, criticizing opponents, and leveraging his support to push legislative agendas, particularly impacting congressional races and policy debates.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, issuing endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing his legislative agenda. His actions are shaping primary races and national policy debates, particularly regarding the 'SAVE Act' and trade.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Election

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing legislative agendas. His actions are shaping primary races and national policy debates, particularly concerning election integrity and trade.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence within the Republican party, endorsing candidates and criticizing opponents. His actions are shaping primary races and legislative debates, particularly concerning the 'SAVE America Act'.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Election

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates and criticizing those who oppose him. His focus on the 'SAVE Act' and his stance on mail-in voting are shaping political discourse ahead of the 2024 elections.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, making endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing his legislative agenda. His actions are shaping primary races and creating tensions within the party, particularly regarding the 'SAVE America Act' and his criticism of certain GOP members.

Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Internal Party Dynamics

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, actively endorsing candidates and campaigning against those he deems disloyal. His efforts include publicly criticizing and seeking to oust Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky and pressuring the Senate on legislative priorities like the SAVE Act.

Trump's Influence and Political Maneuvering

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party and national politics, engaging in endorsements, criticisms, and policy demands. His actions include targeting political opponents, pushing for specific legislation like the SAVE Act, and facing accusations of 'racist hate speech' from a UN panel.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and Legislative Agenda

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing for his legislative priorities like the SAVE Act. His actions are shaping primary races and creating tensions within the GOP.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, actively endorsing candidates and engaging in political feuds. His actions, from campaigning against specific GOP members to supporting new candidates, highlight his ongoing role in shaping the political landscape.

Trump Administration's Policies and Political Landscape

The Trump administration continues to face scrutiny over its policies, including efforts to support coal plants and a controversial settlement in a predatory lending case. Simultaneously, discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment and limiting the President's powers are gaining traction among Democrats, while some former allies express criticism.

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