Trump’s “Critical” Comeback

I’m not sure if you heard yet, but in case you missed it in the flurry of headlines this short week, I’ll tell you again: Coal just got a “YUGE” promotion…

Tucked inside Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping piece of legislation aimed at reviving American industry and reducing dependence on foreign resources — is a single line that could have major implications for one of America’s most controversial commodities: coal.

Under the bill, coal is officially designated as a critical mineral.

Yes, you read that right. Coal, long demonized as a dirty relic of the past, is suddenly getting the red-carpet treatment from Washington.

And if this bill lands on Trump’s desk as expected by tomorrow, it could mark the beginning of a major profit cycle for U.S. coal producers — and for investors savvy enough to position themselves early.

Let’s talk about what this means, who stands to benefit, and why coal — yes, coal — might be one of the most profitable contrarian bets of the decade.

A Critical Turn for a Critical Mineral

So why the sudden shift?

The rationale behind designating coal as a critical mineral is simple: energy security.

With global conflicts escalating and the U.S. facing off with adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran, energy is once again being viewed not just as a market commodity but as a matter of national security.

Coal still supplies around 20% of U.S. electricity, and it’s even more important globally…

But here’s the kicker — it’s also essential for making steel and cement, both of which are needed for infrastructure, defense, and industrial growth.

In other words, coal isn’t just a power source. It’s a building block.

By naming coal a critical mineral, the U.S. government can now fast-track permitting, redirect funding, and offer federal support to domestic producers.

That means fewer regulatory headaches and more opportunities for companies to expand production, improve margins, and boost shareholder returns.

It also means Wall Street might have to reconsider its anti-coal bias — and that’s where the opportunity lies.

Opportunity Hiding in the Ashes

Let’s be real…

Coal stocks have been in the doghouse for years. ESG mandates, climate pressure, and a media narrative obsessed with “net zero” made them toxic to many institutional investors.

But here’s what those narratives missed: Demand for coal isn’t going away.

In fact, it’s rising.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, coal demand for electricity generation actually increased globally in 2024, led by Asia but supported by strong U.S. exports.

And metallurgical coal, the type used to make steel, is in high demand as countries rebuild infrastructure and beef up defense production.

Now throw in the new policy tailwinds from Trump’s bill and you’ve got a perfect storm for a coal comeback — both fundamentally and financially.

Let’s break down a few of the players that stand to benefit.

Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU)

When it comes to American coal, Peabody Energy is still the 800-pound gorilla.

Based in St. Louis, Peabody operates mines in both the U.S. and Australia, giving it a strong export profile, especially for high-quality metallurgical coal.

In recent years, Peabody has aggressively paid down debt, returned capital to shareholders through buybacks, and streamlined operations.

That means any uptick in coal prices or production incentives goes straight to the bottom line.

This isn’t a dying company — it’s a lean, cash-generating machine that’s quietly making a comeback.

If coal is officially “critical,” you can bet Peabody will be among the first to benefit from federal support, whether that’s in the form of streamlined permitting, grants, or export facilitation.

And with Trump expected to promote American energy dominance as a core theme of his administration, BTU looks like a frontline beneficiary.

Vistra Corp. (NYSE: VST)

If you want a slightly different angle on the coal revival, take a close look at Vistra Corp.

Vistra is a Texas-based power producer that operates one of the largest competitive generation fleets in the U.S.

While it owns gas and renewables, a big chunk of its capacity comes from — you guessed it — coal.

Unlike pure-play miners, Vistra is a downstream coal beneficiary…

If coal becomes cheaper or easier to access due to its new critical status, companies like Vistra can improve their input costs while still benefiting from higher wholesale power prices.

That means higher margins and better earnings — a double win.

On top of that, Vistra is also aggressively moving into energy storage and nuclear, which could make it one of the most politically balanced power producers in the U.S.

It has something for everyone — including coal exposure for the coming rebound.

Betting on the Unpopular… Again

If you feel like this whole coal resurgence is strange, you’re not alone.

After all, we’ve been told for years that coal was dying — that renewables would take over, that regulations would bury it for good, that ESG scores would keep money away.

But sometimes the best investments come from what everyone else refuses to look at.

Trump’s bill is a massive shot of adrenaline to an industry that’s been left for dead.

When it passes and coal becomes officially recognized as “critical” to U.S. infrastructure, industry, and security, investor sentiment could flip fast.

Institutions that have ignored coal stocks for years might have no choice but to come back — especially if those stocks start outperforming.

And they’re already starting to.

Peabody is up over 20% year to date and Vistra is sitting near all-time highs. But the thing is that we haven’t even seen the real upside yet.

The Bottom Line

Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” might not be beautiful to everyone. But for investors with the guts to go where others won’t, it could be a gold mine — or in this case, a coal mine.

Coal’s new designation as a critical mineral could unlock a wave of production, profit, and policy-driven tailwinds that reward the few companies left standing in this space.

Peabody Energy and Vistra Corp. are two of the most promising. But they’re not the only ones.

If you're ready to dive deeper into this opportunity and discover another unloved, all-but-forgotten coal company that could see massive upside as this policy shift plays out — we've got a special research report just for you.

Go here now to get instant access.

Don't wait. The coal comeback has already begun — and you don't want to miss the next leg up.