Trump says he has directed Pentagon to use Cold War era Defense Production Act for oil production

President Donald Trump revealed in a speech in Iowa on Thursday night that he directed the War Department to invoke the 1950s' Defense Production Act to boost oil production as gas prices remain high ahead of the midterms.

The president said the department will release $150 million to increase American refining capacity and produce more diesel and more gasoline.

Trump signed a memorandum earlier in the day that directed War Secretary Pete Hegseth to use the Cold War-era act to complete purchases, make commitments and use financial instruments to expand domestic petroleum infrastructure.

The president claimed the quickest and most cost-effective way to meet the energy demands needed for U.S. national security is the financial support and commitments made possible under the Defense Production Act. 

“Petroleum fuels the Nation’s Armed Forces, industrial base, and crucial infrastructure,” Trump wrote in the order. “Without immediate Federal action, United States defense capabilities will remain vulnerable to disruption.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.