U.S.THE INTERVIEW
Energy Department puts up to $150 million toward refineries
The money comes from one billion dollars Congress already set aside for national security energy projects; the Energy Department hasn't said which refineries get it.
Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger on this story, from BBN Tonight at 9:29 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The Daily Caller's, the jokes are ours.
At a glance
- First reported by The Daily Caller: “Trump Wants More Gas And Diesel Made At Home, And He’s Paying $150 Million To Make It Happen”, with reporting from Conservative Daily News and RSB Network.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 9:29 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger.
- Topics: Trump.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- The Daily CallerTrump Wants More Gas And Diesel Made At Home, And He’s Paying $150 Million To Make It Happen
- Conservative Daily NewsTrump Invokes Defense Production Act, Puts Up to $150 Million Toward Refining as Diesel Tops $6 October 23, 2026 · facts used on air
- RSB NetworkPOTUS invokes Defense Production Act to boost U.S. refining as fuel prices surge facts used on air
What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Energy Department says it will spend up to a hundred fifty million dollars to boost refining at U. S. refineries, while diesel averages six dollars and thirty-two cents a gallon.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWith us tonight is Cornelius Abernathy-Voss, inmate forty-oh-four-seventeen at a minimum-security prison, and a self-described fuel logistics man. Is a hundred fifty million enough?
Cornelius Abernathy-VossNo, and I say that with respect.
Cornelius Abernathy-VossA critic at the National Center for Energy Analytics says big refinery changes cost hundreds of millions, into the billions.
Cornelius Abernathy-VossAllegedly a tanker holds more than that in value, and I allegedly knew of four.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorFour tankers.
Cornelius Abernathy-VossAllegedly nine. I still have my loyalty card from a gas station, with eleven cents on it.
Cornelius Abernathy-VossThat is the only fuel asset the court left me.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo let me ask you about the timing. Trump announced this at a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, less than two weeks before the midterms.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIs that a coincidence?
Cornelius Abernathy-VossI can't speak to rallies, Hank.
Cornelius Abernathy-VossI only did my business at night. But the money comes from a billion dollars Congress already set aside for national security energy projects, so nobody had to ask anyone twice.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorYou said nobody. Which refineries get the money?
Cornelius Abernathy-VossThe department hasn't said which ones. It says it will announce its selections soon.
Cornelius Abernathy-VossI'd like it noted that I'm available, and that I have a very clean record since Tuesday.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorYou called me about a job.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorVerdict: a hundred fifty million is small, and your tanker count is not. The Energy Department says it will announce its selections soon.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorHe's filled out the form for every refinery they haven't named. That's all of them.
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