By David Ramsden-Wood | Hot Take Of The Day, Commentary
Yesterday at CERAWeek in Houston, Energy Secretary Chris Wright took the stage, and if you’re paying attention, he’s sending a crystal-clear message to American oil producers: slow down, or risk ruin. I’ve said it before—Chris Wright is one of the sharpest minds in energy. I’ve had him on my podcast, written about him, and even swapped ideas with him back when he still might’ve been reading my stuff. As Trump’s Energy Secretary, he’s proving why he’s the perfect pick for this moment. His remarks today weren’t just about “Drill, Baby, Drill”—they were a calculated signal to U.S. companies to ease off the throttle, protect their balance sheets, and let natural declines do the heavy lifting.
I wrote a few weeks ago in “Drill Baby Drill” that this administration’s energy policy isn’t about domestic oil and gas—it’s international. Lowering oil prices isn’t about flooding the market with American crude; it’s about outmaneuvering global players like OPEC+ to make them the enemy. And the only way to fix it? The Saudi wealth fund invests $1 trillion in the U.S. economy. No more LIV is bad!! Only open access to the most important economy in the world. But I digress and am getting through months ahead of myself. More on that as it unfolds.
Mr. Wright hinted at this today, saying U.S. shale can keep producing even if oil hits $50 a barrel—he knows we can’t. He’s one of the smartest people I know. Trump knows he’s one of the smartest people he knows. I promise you, President Trump knows what I know and want Mr. Wright knows. Posts on X from the conference quote him emphasizing lower oil prices as “in the best interest of the American people, and honestly, the citizens of the world.” That’s not bravado; it’s a warning.
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