Trump Defends Stance on Fossil Fuels in ABC News Interview
Locales: New York, Florida, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 14th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging interview with ABC News on Friday night, offering a stark preview of his platform and defensive posture as he continues his bid for the presidency. The interview, which aired nationally, focused heavily on his energy policy, a detailed account of his recent health check-up, and a vehement denial of any wrongdoing regarding the multiple legal challenges he currently faces. The interview painted a portrait of a candidate unwilling to moderate his positions and deeply convinced of a politically motivated 'witch hunt' designed to derail his campaign.
Fossil Fuel Advocacy Remains Firm
The most significant portion of the interview centered around energy policy, where Trump reiterated his staunch support for fossil fuels. Dismissing renewable energy sources as "unreliable and expensive," he championed the abundance of American oil and gas. "We have the best energy. We have the best oil, the best gas. And we're going to be using it. We're not going to be relying on windmills," he stated. This statement underscores a continued divergence from the Biden administration's focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Analysts note that Trump's stance on energy isn't simply about economics. It's a cornerstone of his "Make America Great Again" messaging, appealing to a base that feels left behind by the shift towards green technologies, particularly in traditional energy-producing states. His emphasis on energy independence taps into a long-standing desire for self-sufficiency and a rejection of international climate agreements he once derided. The interview offered no indication of a willingness to compromise on this issue, suggesting a potential clash with international partners and continued investment in infrastructure supporting fossil fuel extraction and use.
A Bill of Good Health - and a Cognitive Boost
Addressing concerns about his age and fitness for office, Trump presented a narrative of robust health. "I had a very, very good examination. I feel fantastic. I'm in very good shape," he asserted. He confirmed his recent physical was conducted by Dr. Sean P. Conley, highlighting a thorough assessment of his cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory systems. Perhaps more notably, Trump claimed to have "aced" a cognitive test, seemingly attempting to preemptively address any questions regarding his mental acuity.
While Dr. Conley has previously offered cautiously optimistic assessments of Trump's health, the details released publicly remain limited. Medical experts have questioned the validity of using cognitive tests as a definitive measure of overall health and fitness for the presidency, suggesting they provide a narrow snapshot of cognitive function. The release of the full medical report remains a point of contention, with Trump's team citing patient privacy as a reason for withholding further information. The interview reinforced Trump's strategy of portraying himself as a vigorous leader, capable of handling the demands of the office.
Legal Battles: 'Election Interference'
Perhaps predictably, Trump dedicated a significant portion of the interview to addressing the various legal challenges he faces. He dismissed the New York hush-money case and the classified documents case in Florida as politically motivated "witch hunts," vehemently denying any wrongdoing. He repeatedly framed the investigations as "election interference," alleging that his opponents are desperately trying to prevent his return to the White House.
"It's election interference," he said. "They're trying to stop me from getting back in. They're terrified of me."
This narrative of persecution has become a central theme of Trump's campaign, resonating with his most loyal supporters. Legal experts, however, argue that the charges against him are based on credible evidence and are being pursued through established legal processes. The ongoing legal battles present a significant hurdle to Trump's presidential ambitions, with potential convictions carrying severe penalties. However, as the interview demonstrated, he appears unwilling to acknowledge any culpability and remains steadfast in his defense.
Looking Ahead The ABC News interview provides a clear indication of the core themes that will likely dominate Trump's campaign in the coming months. A focus on energy independence, a boastful portrayal of his health, and an unwavering denial of wrongdoing will likely define his message to voters. Whether this strategy will prove successful remains to be seen, but it is clear that Trump intends to run a campaign built on familiar ground - appealing to his base and attacking his opponents at every turn.
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