The Biden administration’s hasty release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has left critical infrastructure damaged and U.S. energy security weakened. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that refilling efforts have begun—but warned it could take years to undo the harm.
Key Facts:
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the Trump administration is actively refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).
- President Biden released 180 million barrels from the SPR in 2022 to curb gas prices and inflation.
- Wright criticized the move as reckless and said it damaged SPR infrastructure, limiting current refill capacity to just two of four storage caverns.
- The Trump administration plans to invest $20 billion in oil purchases to restore the SPR to near-full capacity.
- Oil prices have fallen to about $61 per barrel due to weak global demand and trade tensions.
The Rest of The Story:
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated in a CNBC interview that America is now refilling its depleted oil reserve, but warned the process will be long and costly.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), meant as a national safeguard against major oil supply disruptions, was drastically reduced during President Biden’s term—from 650 million barrels to 395 million.
Wright explained that the rapid drawdown under Biden damaged essential infrastructure, leaving only half the reserve’s storage facilities operational.
Repairs are underway, and Wright is pushing for more funding to accelerate both the physical restoration and oil repurchasing efforts.
He indicated the refill could take years but stressed it is necessary for national security.
In March, the Energy Department announced plans to buy $20 billion worth of crude to begin restoring the SPR.
This initiative follows President Trump’s January inaugural pledge to rebuild American energy dominance and reduce regulatory burdens on oil producers.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright just revealed that Biden drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserves so rapidly—to drop prices before the election—that it damaged half the facilities.
They’re now in the process of repairing them with taxpayer funds.
Unreal. pic.twitter.com/x2eiaG7nDO
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) April 28, 2025
Commentary:
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve isn’t a political tool—it’s a national emergency buffer, and treating it like a campaign resource borders on criminal neglect.
Biden’s decision to drain nearly half the reserve was a reckless move disguised as inflation relief.
The truth is, it was a desperate attempt to manipulate gas prices during an election cycle.
Draining 180 million barrels in just six months not only undermined America’s energy cushion, but also caused real physical harm to our infrastructure.
Now, only two of the four major storage caverns can be used.
That kind of damage should never have happened under competent leadership.
If a private citizen had intentionally weakened national security infrastructure for political gain, it would be called sabotage.
But in Washington, bad actors walk free, shielded by political cover and media silence.
There will be no prosecutions, no accountability—just quietly handed-off consequences for others to clean up.
Thankfully, this administration isn’t ignoring the mess.
Chris Wright and President Trump are prioritizing domestic energy again.
Their $20 billion refill plan shows a real commitment to restoring U.S. energy resilience—not just for show, but to protect Americans from future global instability.
The task won’t be easy.
The SPR can’t be restored overnight, and the damage done will have long-term effects.
But at least it’s being handled by leaders who treat America’s resources and security with the seriousness they deserve.
The Bottom Line:
The Trump administration has started the long process of repairing and refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve after it was recklessly drained by Biden for short-term political gain.
Energy Secretary Wright says the project will take years and require major investment.
Damaged infrastructure is slowing progress, but the commitment to restoring U.S. energy security is now firmly back on track.
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