Trump Announces Historic $300 Billion Deal to Open First U.S. Oil Refinery in 50 Years

The new refinery in Brownsville, Texas will boost American energy production and create thousands of jobs, the former president says.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:10pm

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Former President Donald Trump has announced a massive $300 billion deal to open the first new oil refinery in the United States in 50 years. The refinery, to be built in Brownsville, Texas, is being developed by America First Refining and will be designed to process shale oil. Trump touted the deal as a "historic" win for American workers, energy, and the people of South Texas.

Why it matters

The new refinery is expected to strengthen U.S. energy independence and security by increasing domestic refining capacity, which has been limited in recent decades. It also represents a major investment in the energy sector under Trump's "America First" agenda, which prioritized domestic energy production and job creation.

The details

The refinery will be the largest investment of its kind in U.S. history, according to Trump. It is being developed through a partnership with India's largest privately held energy company, Reliance. The facility will be designed as the "cleanest refinery in the world" and is expected to deliver billions in economic impact to the region.

  • The deal was announced on March 11, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who announced the historic $300 billion deal to open the new oil refinery.

America First Refining

The company developing the new oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas.

Reliance

India's largest privately held energy company, which is partnering with America First Refining on the project.

Trey Griggs

The president of America First Refining.

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What they’re saying

“THIS IS A HISTORIC $300 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL — THE BIGGEST IN U.S. HISTORY, A MASSIVE WIN for American Workers, Energy, and the GREAT People of South Texas!”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“The United States has a surplus of light shale oil but a shortage of refining capacity designed to process it.”

— Trey Griggs, President, America First Refining

What’s next

The new refinery project still needs to go through the permitting and construction process, which is expected to take several years to complete.

The takeaway

This deal represents a major push by the former president to boost domestic energy production and independence, with the new refinery expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen America's energy security. However, the project's environmental impact and long-term viability will likely be closely scrutinized.