Trump’s 2025 CPAC Speech: A Rejection of Environmental Policy

At the 2025 CPAC, President Trump and fellow conservatives condemned climate policies while promoting fossil fuel interests. Trump misleadingly critiqued the Paris Agreement and the Green New Deal, and endorsed deregulation efforts. While political ambitions and energy strategies featured prominently, the conference reflected a shift away from scientific discussions on climate change, favoring populist and anti-establishment rhetoric.

At the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held in mid-February, President Donald Trump expressed a firm opposition to climate policies, alongside prominent conservatives such as Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk. Trump criticized the Paris Agreement and the Green New Deal, labeling them as disasters and hoaxes, while making several factually incorrect claims regarding electric vehicle mandates and hydrogen cars, culminating in his signature dance at the event’s conclusion.

The conference marked a departure from previous years’ scientific discourse on climate change, leaning heavily towards anti-climate rhetoric. Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss shared her frustrations about her inability to end the fracking ban during her brief tenure, lamenting the impact of net-zero policies on Britain’s energy industry and economy.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright promoted the administration’s agenda to deregulate fossil fuel production, aiming to enhance domestic energy output and support economic competition, particularly against China. His speech highlighted the anticipated energy demands of artificial intelligence technologies, which he claimed would offer significant national benefits.

Political ambitions were visible as Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy aimed for higher office, eyeing a possible Senate run. He aligned himself with Trump’s vision for energy production, particularly a planned liquefied natural gas pipeline project targeting Asian markets rather than U.S. domestic needs, all while promoting the idea of Alaska as a solution to the nation’s energy problems.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum sought to expand energy exploitation on public lands, insisting that these efforts would ultimately contribute to national trade balance and peace abroad. He and Wright announced the formation of the National Energy Dominance Council to streamline energy project approvals by cutting regulatory red tape.

In the CPAC exhibit hall, while most groups focused on cultural issues, CFACT, a conservative think tank, was present, voicing its skepticism regarding climate science and emphasizing the need for alternative viewpoints in educational settings. Their ongoing efforts reflect a desire to counter perceived leftist dominance on college campuses, despite their controversial funding sources.

The 2025 CPAC highlighted a resurgence of climate denialism within conservative ranks, as figures like Trump and Liz Truss espoused anti-environmental sentiments. Trump’s speeches falsely suggested significant policy actions against climate regulations that do not exist. Furthermore, the conference showcased a collective push towards deregulation of the fossil fuel sector and emphasized international energy politics, all while downplaying scientific evidence supporting climate change.

Original Source: www.desmog.com