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.

Key Stats at a Glance:

• $4+ billion from one major lease sale in New Mexico/Texas
• 91% reduction in drilling permit backlog in key district
• U.S. remains #1 global producer of oil and natural gas

Alaska’s North Slope Revival

On the environmental and logistical front, developments in Alaska stand out. The Pikka field, operated by Santos, is ramping up toward peak production of around 80,000 barrels per day. This single project is expected to boost North Slope output and increase flow through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline by roughly 20%.

Such projects represent the high-tech side of modern U.S. energy — advanced drilling techniques, careful environmental management, and significant private investment. Supporters argue this model delivers reliable, affordable energy while generating public revenue.

Broader Economic and Geopolitical Impact

Lower energy costs at home benefit American families and manufacturers. Stable or declining gas prices help keep inflation in check, while increased exports strengthen U.S. leverage abroad. Officials point to shifting dynamics with Venezuela as an example of how energy flows can reshape alliances.

However, the picture isn’t without challenges. Environmental groups continue to raise concerns about expanded drilling on public lands and potential impacts on sensitive ecosystems. Oil markets remain volatile, influenced by global events, OPEC decisions, and the pace of the energy transition. Some analysts note that while total liquids give the U.S. a strong statistical lead, pure crude oil production still shows a more competitive global race.

Balanced Perspective: Rapid production growth can support energy security and jobs, but long-term success will also depend on responsible development, infrastructure investment, and innovation across all energy sources — including renewables where they make economic sense.

The early results of the current energy strategy — faster permitting, higher lease activity, and major projects moving forward — suggest continued strength in U.S. production through 2026 and beyond. Whether this leads to sustained lower prices for consumers and greater geopolitical influence remains to be seen, but the momentum is undeniable.

For everyday Americans, the bottom line is practical: more domestic energy means greater potential for affordability, job creation in key states, and reduced dependence on foreign supply chains.

As Secretary Burgum noted, energy remains a cornerstone of both economic vitality and national security. The coming months will test how well these gains can be maintained amid market fluctuations and policy debates.