Donald Trump’s high-profile push to revive the US coal industry has failed to reverse its long-term decline, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration. In the first half of 2026, coal-fired electricity generation fell 11 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, with further declines projected at 4 per cent for the rest of 2026 and 3 per cent in 2027. Despite signing two executive orders, extending the lives of seven coal plants, and opening new public lands for mining, coal’s share of the electricity mix has collapsed from 52 per cent in 1990 to 17 per cent in 2025.

The administration claims these actions prevented the retirement of more than 17 gigawatts of power and saved lives during peak demand. However, analysts note that coal is losing market share to cheaper natural gas and rapidly growing renewables. Solar and wind generation rose 21 per cent and 6 per cent respectively in the first half of 2026.

Lazard estimates coal costs more than solar and onshore wind and is comparable to offshore wind. Plants saved by Trump’s orders burned coal at a markedly reduced rate—down from 4.8 million short tons to 1.6 million between the first halves of 2025 and 2026. Critics, including Ben Inskeep of Citizens Action Coalition, argue the policies constitute industry subsidies that harm consumers.

The Energy Department maintains it is proud of revitalizing over 80 coal mines and plants and preventing premature shutdowns of more than 17GW of coal power.