Trump’s Debate Cheat Sheet on Climate: Now Available on Truth Social
In a move reminiscent of his previous tenure, former President Donald Trump took to social media on Thursday to share a set of debate talking points on climate policy. The talking points, which appear to have been provided by his former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Andrew Wheeler, focus on Trump’s record and criticize President Joe Biden’s climate policies.
Trump’s post on Truth Social highlights several key points, including this column’s take on each claim:
- He claims that under his administration, CO2 emissions decreased while the U.S. became more energy dominant, leading to lower energy costs for Americans.
- While CO2 emissions did decrease during his administration, this trend began prior to his tenure due to the transition from coal to natural gas and renewables, not solely his policies.
- Trump criticizes Biden for rejoining the Paris Climate Accord, suggesting it benefits other countries like China at the expense of American interests.
- The Paris Climate Accord does involve financial commitments to help developing countries transition to greener energy, but it is not accurate to say it primarily benefits China.
- He asserts that Biden’s policies have increased energy costs and forced Americans to buy Chinese solar panels.
- His claim that Biden’s policies have increased energy costs ignores the global factors, such as the pandemic recovery and geopolitical events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, that have contributed to rising energy prices. Also, Trump’s assertion that Biden’s policies force Americans to buy Chinese solar panels overlooks the fact that China’s dominance in the solar market predates Biden’s administration.
- Trump argues that Biden’s actions, such as canceling pipelines and halting federal leases, have led to higher energy imports, increasing CO2 emissions.
- Biden did cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, but the impact on overall energy supply and prices is debated. The U.S. continues to produce significant amounts of oil and gas domestically.Â
Trump’s social media activity comes just ahead of his anticipated debate with Biden, where climate policy is expected to be a significant topic of discussion.
Biden to contrast himself from “extreme Republicans”
In contrast, Biden is prepared to underscore his administration’s accomplishments and vision for the future during the debate. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, speaking aboard Air Force One, emphasized that Biden will draw clear distinctions between his policies and those of what he terms “extreme Republicans.”
“Whenever there’s an opportunity for the president to speak directly to the American public — in this instance, there’ll be millions of Americans watching — he takes that opportunity very seriously,” Jean-Pierre stated. She highlighted the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade and subsequent restrictions on reproductive care as examples of the stark differences Biden aims to showcase.
Biden’s approach will focus on economic improvements, expanded healthcare access, and middle-class relief, in contrast to Trump’s tax policies favoring the wealthy. Jean-Pierre dismissed the Trump campaign’s claims that Biden uses performance-enhancing substances, saying, “I don’t think that I should dignify that with an answer.”
Both candidates are gearing up for a high-stakes debate with significant implications for their respective campaigns. Biden, who launched his reelection bid in April 2023, presents the election as a pivotal choice between maintaining democracy and succumbing to authoritarianism. As the oldest president in U.S. history, Biden’s age has been a talking point, but he remains focused on completing his agenda.
Trump, who announced his campaign in November 2022, seeks to become only the second president to win nonconsecutive terms. His campaign is marked by continued denial of the 2020 election results and a series of legal battles, including a recent conviction in New York related to hush money payments and ongoing charges in three other cases.
Key debate points
- Climate Policy: Trump’s talking points stress energy dominance and criticize international agreements, whereas Biden’s policies focus on rejoining global efforts like the Paris Accord and emphasizing renewable energy.
- Energy Costs: Trump blames Biden for increased energy prices and reliance on foreign imports. Biden’s team argues that investments in clean energy and infrastructure are necessary for long-term sustainability and economic growth.
- Healthcare and Economy: Biden is expected to tout expanded healthcare and economic measures aimed at aiding the middle class, contrasting with Trump’s focus on deregulation and tax cuts for higher income brackets.
If Biden wins reelection, he would further extend his record as the oldest president in U.S. history, being 81 years old during the campaign and 86 at the end of a potential second term. Conversely, if Trump wins, at 78 years old, he would become the second oldest president to assume office and the only president besides Grover Cleveland to serve nonconsecutive terms.
Trump would also be the first U.S. president to assume office after being convicted of a crime should he win. In May 2024, Trump was found guilty of charges related to his New York hush money case.
Information for this briefing was found via CNN and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
