In election-year reversal, prez expands ban on new offshore drilling sites in Atlantic

JUPITER, Fla. — President Donald Trump expanded a ban on new offshore drilling Tuesday, an election-year reversal likely to appeal to voters in Florida and other coastal states. Two years ago, Trump had taken steps to vastly expand offshore drilling from coast to coast.

“This protects your beautiful gulf and your beautiful ocean, and it will for a long time to come,” Trump said as he announced the expanded drilling ban during an appearance at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

The president signed a memorandum instructing the interior secretary to prohibit drilling in the waters off both Florida coasts, and off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina for a period of 10 years — from July 1, 2022, to June 20, 2032.

The existing moratorium covers the Gulf of Mexico, and Trump said the new one would also cover the Atlantic coast — a significant political concern in coastal states like Florida.

Trump used the event to portray himself as an environmental steward, but the Trump administration has overturned or weakened numerous regulations meant to protect air and water quality and lands essential for imperiled species.

Chipping in? Trump may put up his own cash on reelection

Trump is putting out the word that he is considering spending as much as $100 million of his own fortune on his reelection effort. Trump said Tuesday that he’s prepared to use his own money and spend “whatever it takes” to win a second term in the White House, but he sidestepped just how much of his own cash he’s willing to invest.

“If I have to, I would,” Trump said of spending his own money.