Matt Maddock, a Michigan state representative, posted a series of tweets on April 17, 2026, addressing the state’s oil and gas industry as well as making a pointed remark on social media.
In his first post of the day, Maddock wrote: “Castrated cowards.” (April 17, 2026).
Later in the afternoon, he commented on Michigan’s energy sector: “Michigan has about 15,000 oil and gas wells pumping today.” (April 17, 2026).
That evening, Maddock followed up with another tweet providing further detail: “There are about 50k wells but many of them are old but they can still produce if they are fracked.” (April 17, 2026).
Maddock is known for his active presence on social media and his outspoken views regarding Michigan’s natural resources. The state’s oil and gas sector includes tens of thousands of wells—many of which were drilled decades ago—with approximately 15,000 reported to be actively producing as of recent years. Fracking remains a topic of discussion in Michigan due to its potential to revitalize older wells and increase production.
