President Trump will speak Friday at the Port of Corpus Christi as energy exports take center stage and local leaders press him on water needs.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — President Donald Trump is set to visit the Coastal Bend on Friday, marking his first stop in the region during his second term in office.
Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks Friday afternoon at the Port of Corpus Christi, the nation’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and one of the country’s top petroleum hubs.
The visit follows his State of the Union address earlier this week, where energy policy was a central focus. The president is expected to highlight fossil fuel production and exports along the Texas Gulf Coast.
According to Kara Rivas, Flint Hills Public Affairs Manager, only two major refineries adjacent to the port — CITGO, Valero, — are among only 11 facilities in the United States capable of processing heavy Venezuelan crude oil, giving the Coastal Bend an outsized role in the nation’s energy supply chain. During his address to Congress, Trump said shipments of that crude would soon be arriving in the United States.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson said the president understands the economic importance of energy production in Texas.
“That’s why he’s so excited to come visit tomorrow and talk with folks about it,” Jackson said. “I won’t get ahead of the President on any specific announcements, but what I will say is that he understands how important this is, and a lot of his agenda is also about bringing more companies and more investment to Texas. Under the Trump administration, companies have invested billions in the state of Texas, and that will create thousands of good-paying jobs.”
Local officials are also hoping to raise regional concerns during the visit. State Sen. Adam Hinojosa said he wants to brief the president on ongoing water infrastructure challenges in South Texas.
“We want to make sure he is fully aware of the infrastructure issues we have, specifically with water, and the urgency of our need,” Hinojosa said. “Having the opportunity to visit with him in more depth about those challenges would be very helpful. He’s coming to Corpus Christi for a reason, and we are eager to better understand that, but we also believe this is an important opportunity to discuss the critical issues facing our community.”
Traffic delays are expected downtown and near the port Friday afternoon. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the Museum of Asian Cultures will be closed for the day.
The nearby Art Museum of South Texas will close early at 2 p.m., instead of its usual 5 p.m. closing time.
Parking at the museums will be free for those attending the event.
The U.S. Coast Guard said the port’s ship channel will be closed from noon to 6 p.m. Friday.
According to the White House, the president’s remarks are expected to begin around 3:30 p.m.