The Keystone XL pipeline saga—a project emblematic of America’s energy debate—may be entering yet another chapter as President-elect Donald Trump reportedly plans to revive the controversial project upon his return to the White House. While the pipeline has long been a political flashpoint, its revival faces significant logistical and economic hurdles, particularly as the original developer, TC Energy, has abandoned the effort entirely.
For Trump, the Keystone XL represents more than an infrastructure project—it’s a bold pro-oil statement that contrasts sharply with outgoing President Joe Biden’s climate-focused agenda. Biden revoked the pipeline’s permit on his first day in office, reversing Trump’s 2017 approval and effectively ending the project.
But Trump appears determined to bring Keystone XL back into the national conversation, signaling his commitment to America’s energy independence and his willingness to challenge the climate movement.
According to sources close to Trump’s transition team, reviving the pipeline is less about immediate construction and more about delivering a symbolic victory. “Everyone in the country knows what the KXL pipeline is,” one insider noted. “It’s energy. It’s infrastructure. It’s construction.”
Symbolism aside, the road to Keystone XL’s revival is fraught with challenges. TC Energy, the Calgary-based company that spearheaded the project, officially withdrew in 2021 following Biden’s permit revocation.
The company dismantled portions of the pipeline already constructed and relinquished ownership of the pipeline system the Keystone XL was designed to expand. Any attempt to restart the project would require another company to step in, reapply for permits, and rebuild from scratch—a daunting task in today’s regulatory and economic climate.
Local and state permits, environmental reviews, and fierce opposition from climate activists would undoubtedly delay progress for years. In addition, the political and financial risk of such a venture makes it unclear whether any company would be willing to invest in resurrecting the project.
While Keystone XL may remain stalled, Trump’s pro-oil rhetoric aligns with his broader push for American energy dominance. During his campaign, Trump pledged to roll back Biden’s anti-oil policies, boost domestic production, and restore jobs in the energy sector. Reviving Keystone XL, even symbolically, underscores this vision, which contrasts sharply with Biden’s green agenda.
Critics of Biden’s energy policies argue that his war on fossil fuels has exacerbated inflation and harmed the middle class. They point to rising energy costs and increased dependence on foreign oil as evidence of mismanagement. Trump’s renewed focus on energy projects like Keystone XL could serve as a rallying cry for voters frustrated by the economic consequences of Biden’s policies.
