President Donald Trump’s pledge to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” is being challenged by a sharp rise in oil production from OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia. The surge comes as Trump visits the Middle East, where Saudi leaders are preparing to raise oil output by nearly 1 million barrels per day in June, according to three sources familiar with the trip.
Despite the potential impact on U.S. oil producers, Trump is not expected to pressure the Saudis to back down. Instead, the focus of his meetings will likely be on regional security issues, negotiations with Iran, and a possible arms deal, the sources said. Discussions may also include potential investments from Gulf states into the U.S.
This shift signals a clear preference from Trump for lower fuel prices over protecting domestic oil producers—a stance that aligns with the interests of inflation-weary American voters.
“There’s no more doubt about where he stands,” said Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group and a former energy adviser to President George W. Bush. “He prefers low prices, even if it hurts U.S. oil producers.”
The White House declined to comment on whether Trump would address OPEC’s production hike during his meetings or whether he is concerned about the effects of low oil prices on the U.S. energy sector.
Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s most influential member, is pushing for higher output to reclaim global market share, even though the move could strain its own finances in the short term. Last month’s news of the planned production increase sent U.S. oil prices below $55 per barrel—down from over $80 a year ago and the lowest level in more than four years.
One person involved in the trip planning described oil as a “secondary” issue, with the main goal being to “build bridges” between the U.S. and Gulf nations.
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