Trump’s new ‘Coalie’ mascot and myth of ‘clean, beautiful coal’ have a long history in advertising

Trump’s New "Coalie" Mascot and Myth of "Clean, Beautiful Coal" and Their History in Advertising

Republished with permission from The Conversation, by Annie Persons, University of Virginia If you follow the Trump administration’s social media posts, you might spot its new mascot: a cartoon lump of coal with big eyes and babylike features. “Coalie” sparked a backlash almost as soon as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum debuted it for the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement in early 2026. Coalie’s design draws on a type of Japane…

Trump’s new ‘Coalie’ mascot and myth of ‘clean, beautiful coal’ have a long history in advertising

If you follow the Trump administration’s social media posts, you might spot its new mascot: a cartoon lump of coal with big eyes and babylike features. “Coalie” sparked a backlash almost as soon as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum debuted it for the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement in early 2026. Coalie’s design draws on a type of Japanese anime called Kawaii, a word meaning “cute” or “adorable.” It’s the latest in the White Ho…

Trump’s new ‘Coalie’ mascot and fable of ‘clean, beautiful coal’ have a protracted historical past in promoting

When you practice the Trump management’s social media posts, you may spot its new mascot: a caricature lump of coal with large eyes and babylike options. “Coalie” sparked a backlash virtually once Inside Secretary Doug Burgum debuted it for the Workplace of Floor Mining and Reclamation Enforcement in early 2026. Coalie’s design attracts on one of those Eastern anime referred to as Kawaii, a phrase which means “cute” or “adorable.” It’s the newes…