News Wright deletes post that US helped tanker pass Hormuz by Rachel Frazin - 03/10/26 6:36 PM ET by Rachel Frazin - 03/10/26 6:36 PM ET Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email 96 {beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment   The Big Story   Wright deletes post that US helped tanker pass Hormuz The U.S. military has not yet escorted any oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday, contradicting a now-deleted post from Energy Secretary Chris Wright. © AP Photo/Alex Brandon “I was made aware of this post. I haven’t had a chance to talk to the Energy secretary about it directly, however, I know the post was taken down pretty quickly and I can confirm that the U.S. Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time,” Leavitt said during a White House press briefing.   She noted, however, that the possibility of military escorts for tankers through the strait is still on the table.   “That’s an option the president has said he will absolutely utilize if and when necessary at the appropriate time,” Leavitt said.   An Energy Department spokesperson blamed staff for the “incorrectly captioned” post.   “A video clip was deleted from Secretary Wright’s official X account after it was determined to be incorrectly captioned by Department of Energy staff,” the spokesperson said in an email.    “President Trump, Secretary Wright, and the rest of the President’s energy team are closely monitoring the situation, speaking with industry leaders, and having the U.S. military draw up additional options to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, including the potential for our Navy to escort tankers,” the spokesperson added.   The Strait of Hormuz is a key channel near Iran through which the equivalent of about a fifth of the world’s oil typically flows.   Wright originally wrote  Tuesday that “The U.S. Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure oil remains flowing to global markets.”   After his post,  oil prices plummeted . They rose in the aftermath of the deletion and Leavitt’s comments. At press time, U.S. benchmark WTI was trading at around $86 per barrel on Tuesday, representing a decline from Monday.   Read more at TheHill.com .   Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, I’m Rachel Frazin  — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.   Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.   Essential Reads   How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future:   Trump threatens to escalate attacks on Iran as US military destroys 16 mine-laying boats President Trump on Tuesday threatened to escalate U.S. attacks on Iran if it has put mines in the Strait of Hormuz amid reporting that it has done so.  Full Story   Oil prices fluctuate as Trump signals Iran conflict could end soon Oil prices dipped on Monday after President Trump signaled that the conflict in Iran could come to a close soon.  Full Story   Gas, oil prices worry GOP as Trump floats taking over Strait of Hormuz Republicans on Capitol Hill are growing worried about President Trump’s bet that Americans are willing to swallow higher gas prices due to the conflict with Iran, especially ahead of the November elections.   Full Story   What We’re Reading  News we’ve flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics : Cancer Haunts Neighbors of Canada’s Oil Sands Wastelands ( The New York Times ) NY’s climate law clashes with Gov. Hochul’s affordability campaign ( Gothamist )   On Tap  Upcoming news themes and events we’re watching: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a  hearing  on Wednesday about on a bill related to the use of diesel in cold weather   What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Erika Kirk appointed to Air Force Academy board President Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, to the Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors, having her replace her husband. Read more 2 states approved permanent standard time. Others are hoping to do the same Much of the U.S. is now officially on daylight saving time, with clocks jumping forward an hour early Sunday morning. Read more     You’re all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Energy and Environment newsletter Subscribe Add as preferred source on Google Tags Charlie Kirk C