According to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research group, the coal mining industry donated $4.8 million to the Republican Party in 2016 and 4 percent of that amount to Democrats. The money came from coal companies, related super PACS, unions, individuals and outside groups.

Some of the top recipients were Donald Trump, receiving the highest amount, $239,996; Sen. Pat Toomey, $64,398; and Congressman Mike Kelly, $30,500.

According to a November 2016 New York Times article, “Coal Isn’t Coming Back,” the coal companies began their downward spiral in the 1980s when automation started replacing the miner. The steepest decline occurred when cheap natural gas, and cheaper renewable energies created a weaker demand for coal here, in Asia and Europe.

The coal companies have argued the industry is in decline because so many environmental regulations have been placed upon them. So, there is no surprise that one of the first things Donald Trump did as president was to repeal the Small Stream Protection Rule. He was indebted to coal companies’ generosity during his campaign, and paid them back with a free pass to pollute.

According to Salon, 22,000 miners are at risk of losing their health care because of solvency of the Coal Miners Health Care and Pension Fund. Legislation is currently in the House to find a permanent resolution but is being held up by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Affordable Care Act provided quick access to coal miners’ benefits from black lung. With the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, miners’ black lung will probably fall in the category of a pre-existing condition, and cause insurance premiums for those suffering from this chronic illness to soar.

It is clear that Trump made empty promises to coal miners only to get their vote. He further wrongs them by his efforts to repeal the health care law which provides them benefits. Once again the coal miner has been exploited by the politician.