Washington is rewriting the U.S. oil and gas strategy under President Donald Trump’s leadership, according to The Motley Fool. The new approach includes moves to cut permit timelines, lift moratoriums, and fast-track liquefied natural gas terminals and exports.
What happened
Trump’s revamped “drill, baby, drill” agenda aims to expand domestic oil and gas production significantly. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) is at the forefront of this shift with substantial investments and an aggressive pro-oil strategy. The company doubled its Permian Basin production after acquiring Pioneer Natural Resources for $60 billion in 2024, gaining over 1.4 million net acres of drilling inventory.[2]
ExxonMobil anticipates $25 billion in incremental earnings by 2030, with $145 billion in surplus cash projected at an average oil price of $65 per barrel. The company has returned nearly $150 billion to its shareholders in the last five years, increasing dividends for 43 consecutive years while consistently repurchasing shares.
Why it matters
The changing energy landscape presents significant investment opportunities, particularly for stocks closely aligned with the current administration’s energy policies. Buying into ExxonMobil signifies a bet on the future of U.S. energy dominance and favorable governmental regulations in the oil and gas sector.[1]
Background
On February 5, 2025, President Trump signed the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order, which ended the Biden-era pause on LNG export approvals. This order allowed Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG) to expand its Corpus Christi LNG terminal’s capacity, reinforcing its position as the largest LNG producer in the U.S.
What’s next
Looking ahead, Cheniere expects a substantial $4.75 billion to $5.25 billion in distributable cash flow for 2026, driven by ongoing expansions. ExxonMobil and GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) are also well-positioned to capitalize on ongoing support for natural gas infrastructure and energy production.[3]
