US President Donald Trump is preparing to order the Pentagon to utilize federal funding and enter contracts aimed at strengthening the coal-fired electricity generation sector. This initiative, reported by Bloomberg citing a source within the White House, reflects Trump's broader strategy of increasing domestic dependency on fossil fuels. The decision is expected to take the form of a presidential executive order, which is anticipated to be signed today, directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to secure agreements for electricity supply from coal-burning plants, particularly for military operations.

The move is expected to leverage specific provisions under the Defense Production Act of 1950, which grants the White House authority to direct private industry in matters concerning national security. Such a strategy underscores the administration's push toward coal, despite the growing trend of renewable energy sources and widespread calls for greater environmental protections. The potential implications of this order raise questions about the U.S.'s energy policy direction and its commitment to combating climate change.

Furthermore, the Trump administration's focus on coal represents a significant pivot towards traditional energy sources at a time when many parts of the world are moving towards cleaner alternatives. The operational and environmental consequences of increasing coal dependency for electrical supply within military operations could spark further debates on the sustainability of such energy strategies in the context of national security.