A video circulating online involving Energy Secretary Chris Wright—a former oil and gas executive who has previously stirred backlash for his opposition to solar energy—is sparking jokes after he was televised with his eyes closed and head tilted upward toward the sun as Fox News anchors tossed to him during a live shot.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Energy via email Friday night for comment.
Why It Matters
The on-air moment preceded President Donald Trump’s Corpus Christi, Texas, appearance focused on “American Energy dominance.”
What To Know
In a brief video posted to X by user Acyn, which has garnered over 800,000 views, Fox News anchor John Roberts said, “All right, now with the preview of the president’s speech, let’s bring in the secretary of energy, Chris Wright. He joins us now.” In a split screen with Roberts, Wright and Fox News Anchor Sandra Smith, Wright can be seen eyes closed and facing the sunny sky.
The clip circulated online as Trump touted his administration’s energy policies along with pointed political attacks.
In the speech, Trump cheered improved energy affordability and U.S. leverage abroad, touting expanded domestic drilling, the rollback of clean‑energy programs and recent actions in Venezuela. The president also referenced oil and gas production as key components in national security and economic stability.
Wright said in part that Trump’s economic message for the event was “he’s doing everything possible to lower prices,” along with “higher wages.”
Reacting to the videos of the televised moment and jokes circulating online, the Department of Energy responded to White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair’s post, saying, “Exactly—God forbid @SecretaryWright catch a vibe!”
Blair’s post reacting to the video said, “My boy is powering up so what”
What People Are Saying
Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of Meidas Touch, on X Friday: “The Secretary of No Energy.”
Florida Democratic U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz, on X Friday alongside an altered video of Wright: “Where did he go?”
Alexa Henning, spokesperson for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, on X Friday: “You laugh but no one in dc has seen the sun for months. Totally acceptable.”
DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer, on X Friday: “Just a girlie trying to cure his seasonal depression”
X account PatriotTakes, on Friday: “For someone so against solar energy he seems to really like the Sun”
What Happens Next
It is immediately unknown if the administration has any future energy speeches planned around the country.
