No, the US Isn't “Energy Independent” (Level 1)

The United States makes a lot of oil and gas. Recently, Donald Trump said the US does not need oil from the Middle East. He said the US does not need the Strait of Hormuz. This is a very important water path for ships carrying oil. Years ago, the US bought a lot of oil from other countries. Now, because of new drilling methods, the US makes more oil than any other country. Trump is right that the US sells more oil than it buys. However, oil is sold in a global market. If ships cannot pass through the Strait of Hormuz, there is less oil for the world. This makes oil prices go up everywhere. Even though the US makes its own oil, Americans still have to pay more money for gas. High gas prices hurt the US economy. So, the US still cares about the Middle East.