Trump Highlights US Energy Production in State of the Union Address

In his 2026 State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted the growth in US energy production, claiming an increase of over 600,000 barrels of oil per day. He also noted significant imports from Venezuela and asserted that natural gas output is at an all-time high. This article delves into the federal data supporting these claims, the context of Venezuela's oil imports, and the overall economic landscape, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of US energy production.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 08:47 IST

Key Highlights from Trump's Address

During his State of the Union address in 2026, President Donald Trump emphasized the surge in energy production as a testament to the nation's economic vitality. He stated, “American oil production has increased by over 600,000 barrels daily,” and noted that the US had imported “more than 80 million barrels of oil” from Venezuela. Trump also asserted that natural gas production in the US has reached “an all-time high,” crediting his administration's commitment to increased drilling.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average daily crude oil production in the US was approximately 12.9 million barrels in 2023, rising to around 13.2 million barrels in 2024. Monthly production figures through late 2025 showed fluctuations between 13.2 and 13.8 million barrels per day, influenced by market dynamics and shale output. The increases over a year have occasionally approached or surpassed 600,000 barrels per day, contingent on the month used for comparison.

Federal Data on Oil Production

What The Federal Data Shows On Oil Output

The EIA's short-term energy outlook indicates that US crude oil production remains at historically high levels, primarily driven by the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. The US first surpassed the 13 million barrels per day mark in 2023 and has consistently maintained production above that threshold, subject to fluctuations based on market prices.

Energy analysts point out that year-over-year increases are not uniform and often depend on market demand, investment in drilling, and export conditions. While Trump's claim of a 600,000 barrels-per-day increase aligns with certain annual comparisons, EIA data suggests that production growth has been gradual rather than a sudden spike.

Venezuela Oil Imports Explained

Venezuela Oil Claim: Imports Vs Production

Regarding Venezuela, Trump mentioned that the US had “just received” over 80 million barrels of oil from the nation. EIA data confirms that Venezuelan crude imports resumed following adjustments to sanctions, with total imports varying monthly based on licensing decisions from the US Treasury Department.

However, it is important to differentiate between barrels imported into the US and those produced domestically. The figure cited by Trump in his address refers to cumulative import volumes over a specific timeframe, rather than a daily production rate. In terms of natural gas, EIA data indicates that US dry natural gas production reached record levels in 2024 and 2025, exceeding 103 billion cubic feet per day during peak periods, supporting the President's assertion of high natural gas production.

Economic Overview

Economic Context

Trump began his address by proclaiming that the “roaring economy is roaring like never before.” According to figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the US GDP grew by about 2.2% in 2025, slightly down from 2.3% in 2024. While the growth remains positive, it indicates steady expansion rather than rapid acceleration.

In conclusion, federal energy data confirms that US oil and gas production is near record levels. The 600,000 barrels-per-day increase mentioned during the State of the Union aligns with certain annual comparisons, although it is dependent on the selected timeframe. The Venezuelan oil figures reflect import volumes under revised sanctions, not domestic production growth.