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Trump allowed Saudi Arabia to control America’s energy independence.

By permitting Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company, Aramco, to acquire the largest oil refinery in the United States, the Trump administration made a grave mistake—one that has far-reaching consequences for both our national security and energy independence. Now, as Americans struggle with volatile gas prices and an increasingly precarious geopolitical landscape, it is time for the U.S. government to rectify this error by forcing the sale of the Port Arthur Refinery to an American entity.

A Strategic Asset in Foreign Hands

The Port Arthur Refinery in Texas is not just another piece of industrial infrastructure. With a capacity of 635,000 barrels per day, it is the crown jewel of U.S. refining capabilities and plays a critical role in shaping our energy market. Yet, since 2017, this vital asset has been wholly owned and operated by Saudi Aramco, a foreign entity with interests that often diverge sharply from America’s own.

Saudi Arabia is a leading member of OPEC, the oil cartel that has manipulated global supply to keep prices high. By controlling a key refinery on U.S. soil, Saudi Arabia wields disproportionate influence over American energy prices and distribution. The result? Higher costs at the pump for working families and reduced leverage for the U.S. in global energy markets.

National Security Implications

Energy independence is not just an economic issue; it is a cornerstone of national security. Allowing Saudi Arabia to own the Port Arthur Refinery gives a foreign government leverage over a critical piece of U.S. infrastructure. This is particularly troubling given the volatile nature of Saudi-U.S. relations. While Saudi Arabia has historically been an ally, its actions—such as its alleged role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its growing partnerships with China and Russia—demonstrate that its interests are not always aligned with ours.

In the event of a diplomatic fallout or a global crisis, the U.S. could find itself at the mercy of a foreign government to ensure domestic fuel production and supply. This is an unacceptable risk for a nation striving to secure its energy future.

The Price of Inaction

Americans are already paying the price for this misstep. The global oil market remains turbulent, and OPEC’s production cuts—led in part by Saudi Arabia—have exacerbated these issues. With Saudi Aramco controlling such a significant U.S. refinery, domestic consumers bear the brunt of these manipulations, further undermining our economic stability.

The Biden administration has made strides toward reducing dependence on foreign oil by promoting renewable energy and domestic production. However, these efforts are undercut when foreign powers like Saudi Arabia retain control over critical infrastructure. Allowing this arrangement to persist is tantamount to ceding a key lever of economic power.

A Path Forward

It is not too late to correct this strategic blunder. The U.S. government has tools at its disposal to protect critical infrastructure from foreign control. Through the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the federal government can revisit and reverse decisions that compromise national security. Congress could also pass legislation mandating the sale of critical energy infrastructure to American entities, ensuring that assets like the Port Arthur Refinery remain under U.S. control.

Forcing Saudi Aramco to sell the Port Arthur Refinery to a domestic buyer would send a clear message: America will not allow foreign governments to dictate its energy future. Such a move would stabilize gas prices, enhance national security, and restore a measure of control over our energy destiny.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s decision to allow Saudi Arabia to acquire the Port Arthur Refinery was shortsighted and detrimental to American interests. With gas prices squeezing consumers and global tensions on the rise, it is imperative that we take action now. Reclaiming control of this critical asset is not just an economic necessity—it is a matter of national security. Let’s put American energy back in American hands.