Trump invokes Defense Production Act to expand Texas oil refinery

Vice President JD Vance announced on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is invoking the Defense Production Act to expand the Delek oil refinery in Tyler, Texas. The Washington Examiner and Bloomberg reported the announcement, which Vance made during a trip to Texas. Social media posts on X also reported that the administration is using the law to expand the facility. [1][8][9]

Vance made the announcement while visiting Tyler to campaign for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other Republican candidates, according to the Washington Examiner. Bloomberg also confirmed that Vance spoke about federal assistance for the Delek refinery during his visit to the state. [1][8]

The Defense Production Act of 1950 is a United States federal law enacted on September 8, 1950, in response to the start of the Korean War. It was created as part of a civil defense and war mobilization effort and remains in force after being reauthorized more than 50 times. [10]