President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Chris Wright, CEO and founder of Liberty Energy, will serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Energy in his upcoming administration. Trump shared the news in a statement released on Saturday, expressing his excitement over Wright’s appointment.
“I am thrilled to announce that Chris Wright will be joining my Administration as both United States Secretary of Energy and Member of the newly formed Council of National Energy,” Trump said.
He praised Wright’s background as a “leading technologist and entrepreneur in Energy” with experience in the nuclear, solar, geothermal, and oil and gas sectors. Trump highlighted Wright’s role in launching the American Shale Revolution, credited with driving the U.S. toward energy independence and reshaping global energy markets and geopolitics.
Wright, a mechanical engineering graduate of MIT, has an extensive background in engineering and entrepreneurship. He also pursued graduate studies in electrical engineering at UC Berkeley and MIT.
Liberty Energy’s website describes Wright as a “self-described tech nerd turned entrepreneur” dedicated to expanding access to affordable and reliable energy.
Wright’s appointment was announced following Trump’s campaign promises to focus on energy independence and bolster oil and gas production. During his campaign, Trump vowed to expand fracking, lift a pause on liquefied natural gas exports, and reverse policies from the Biden administration, particularly around energy production and climate regulations.
Trump criticised the Biden administration for its stance on energy, claiming that it had harmed U.S. industries, such as steel mills, coal, and oil and gas jobs, while also weakening manufacturing in the U.S.
Additionally, Trump reiterated his intent to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, reverse strict emissions standards, and ramp up U.S. oil and gas production. His Cabinet picks are being announced faster than during his first term in 2016, with his transition team attributing this quick rollout to his commitment to prioritising American interests.
As part of his energy-focused agenda, Trump is expected to appoint an “energy czar” to roll back climate regulations enacted under the Biden administration. Trump has also already named former New York Rep.
Lee Zeldin will head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), signalling his administration’s intention to scale back regulatory policies affecting the energy sector.
Wright’s appointment continues Trump’s push to prioritise domestic energy production and reinforce the country’s position in global energy markets.
