Published: May 28, 2026

Washington — Five months into the new Trump administration, U.S. energy production remains at record levels, with officials claiming America now produces roughly twice as much oil (including natural gas liquids) as Russia and Saudi Arabia combined. While the exact math depends on how you measure “oil,” the broader trend is clear: the United States is the undisputed global leader in both crude oil and total petroleum liquids.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), America produced around 13.6 million barrels per day of crude oil in recent months, far ahead of any other single nation. When including natural gas liquids and other petroleum products, total U.S. output exceeds 23 million barrels per day — giving it a measurable edge over the combined totals of Russia and Saudi Arabia.

During a recent White House energy roundtable, President Trump highlighted this milestone, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum detailed the policy changes driving the momentum.

Streamlined Permitting and Record Revenue

One of the most tangible shifts has been on federal lands. The Biden administration faced criticism for slowing lease sales and creating long permitting delays. Under the current approach, the Bureau of Land Management has dramatically cut through backlogs.

In Carlsbad, New Mexico, officials reduced a backlog of over 5,600 drilling permit applications by 91%. Approvals that once took years now average under a month in many cases. This efficiency has translated into dollars: recent lease sales in the Permian Basin and other areas generated more than $4 billion in revenue in a single major event — significantly higher than full-year totals from previous years.

These funds don’t just sit in Washington. Royalties and lease payments support local schools, state budgets, and infrastructure in energy-producing regions. For communities in New Mexico, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska, this revenue is a vital economic lifeline.