US President Donald Trump has announced plans for what he described as the first new oil refinery to be built in the US in nearly 50 years, calling it a “historic” investment linked to India’s Reliance Industries Ltd.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said the refinery will be developed at the Port of Brownsville in Texas and framed the project as a major milestone for the country’s energy sector.
First new US refinery in 50 years
“I am proud to announce that America First Refining is opening the FIRST new U.S. Oil Refinery in 50 YEARS in Brownsville, Texas,” Trump wrote in his post.
He described the project as part of a massive investment tied to India’s largest privately held energy company, Reliance Industries.
“THIS IS A HISTORIC $300 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL — THE BIGGEST IN U.S. HISTORY, A MASSIVE WIN for American Workers, Energy, and the GREAT People of South Texas! Thank you to our partners in India, and their largest privately held Energy Company, Reliance, for this tremendous Investment,” Trump wrote further.
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Energy push amid global supply disruptions
The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues to emphasise its policy of energy dominance, supporting increased production of oil, natural gas and coal.
The refinery project also comes at a time when global oil and gas supply has faced disruption due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel.
Trump linked the refinery plan to his economic agenda, stating that the investment was made possible because of regulatory changes and tax cuts.
The Republican leader said the new refinery project has been made possible under his “America First Agenda”, which he said has simplified the permitting process and reduced taxes, bringing “Billions of Dollars in Deals coming back to our Nation.”
Expected economic impact
According to Trump, the refinery at the Port of Brownsville will help fuel US markets while strengthening national security and boosting energy production.
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“A new Refinery at the Port of Brownsville, will fuel US Markets, strengthen our National Security, boost American Energy production, deliver Billions of Dollars in Economic impact, and will be THE CLEANEST REFINERY IN THE WORLD,” he wrote.
“It will power Global Exports, and bring THOUSANDS of long overdue Jobs and Growth to a Region that deserves it. This is what AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE looks like. AMERICA FIRST, ALWAYS.”
In his statement, Trump described the refinery as part of a $300 billion deal. However, it remains unclear whether that figure refers specifically to the refinery project or to a broader investment agreement involving India.
