The U.S. Department of Energy recently ignited a firestorm of criticism with a controversial social media post celebrating coal, drawing immediate and widespread backlash from scientists and climate action advocates. This bold move underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster the fossil fuel industry, despite compelling evidence of its severe repercussions on public health and the global environment.
Shared on X, the post featured an image of coal accompanied by the provocative phrase, “She’s an icon. She’s a legend. And she is the moment,” repurposing a popular social media meme. This attempt to glamorize coal was met with swift and intense derision, with many online users labeling the department’s approach as “unhinged” and out of touch with modern energy policy realities.
Critics from various sectors quickly condemned the message. A Johns Hopkins associate professor quipped that the post felt more suited to 1885, while Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources retorted, “She is inefficient. She is dirtier air. She is higher energy bills.” These responses highlight the stark contrast between the administration’s narrative and expert consensus on environmental impact.
A significant portion of the backlash centered on the severe public health consequences associated with coal. Multiple users, including the press office of California’s Democratic Governor, pointed to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, commonly known as “black lung disease.” The national Democratic Party account further revealed that the Trump Administration had previously cut programs offering free black lung screenings to miners, a policy decision that has sparked considerable controversy.
Beyond occupational hazards, the wider health and environmental impact of coal consumption were emphasized. Research indicates that coal electricity-generating emissions were attributable to approximately 460,000 deaths in the Medicare population between 1999 and 2020. This alarming statistic reinforces the critical need for a shift away from reliance on such carbon-intensive energy sources.
Since early 2025, the Trump Administration has consistently pursued policies aimed at benefiting the fossil fuel industry and undermining climate initiatives. Actions include appointing pro-fracking executives to lead the DOE, signing coal-friendly executive orders, and issuing proclamations offering “regulatory relief” for various facilities, including coal plants, signaling a clear governmental bias towards traditional energy sources.
Climate and science communicators universally expressed dismay. An astrobiologist questioned the sanity of such a post from the DOE, suggesting the administration prioritizes wealth over public well-being. Another clean energy investor concisely stated, “She is the past,” referencing declining coal consumption data. The consensus among experts is that coal is not a viable path forward for meeting U.S. energy needs or addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.
