President Donald Trump has announced a powerful new step in his administration’s “America First Energy Policy,” unveiling a plan to expand offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico—now rebranded by the administration as the “Gulf of America.” The move is expected to boost domestic oil production by over 100,000 barrels per day and marks a return to strong, pro-energy policies after years of Democrat-imposed restrictions.
The plan includes a major expansion of offshore oil leases and initiates a new five-year leasing program aimed at unlocking untapped reserves. The Department of the Interior will open up previously restricted drilling areas, including portions of the Arctic, reversing Biden-era bans that crippled domestic output and increased reliance on foreign oil.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the plan represents a strategic investment in America’s national and economic security. “We are unlocking the full potential of our offshore resources,” Burgum stated. “This is about jobs, it’s about national strength, and it’s about securing the future of American energy independence.”
According to estimates from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, recoverable reserves in the Gulf have surged to over 7 billion barrels—an increase of 1.3 billion barrels since 2021 alone. These numbers highlight the enormous potential of the Gulf of America as a long-term cornerstone of U.S. energy strategy.
The policy is projected to create tens of thousands of new jobs across the energy sector—ranging from exploration and extraction to refining, transportation, and logistics. It will also revitalize struggling coastal economies, bring investment back to American shores, and reduce energy prices for consumers.
Critics from environmental groups have predictably voiced opposition, warning of the risks of offshore drilling. But the Trump administration remains unfazed, emphasizing that modern drilling technologies have dramatically improved safety and that a secure, affordable energy supply is far more valuable than appeasing activist demands.
President Trump’s new energy directive is part of a broader strategy to achieve full energy dominance. His goal is simple: make America the world’s number one energy producer and exporter, reduce foreign dependency, and ensure that American workers—not OPEC or China—control the future of global energy.
“This is about putting American workers and American energy first,” Trump said. “We’re not begging foreign dictators for oil—we’re drilling it right here at home.”
The announcement also sends a clear message to energy investors: under Trump, American energy is back, and it’s open for business.