Trump Labels Climate Change a ‘Con Job’ at UN Speech/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump dismissed climate change as a “con job” during his UN General Assembly address, attacking global environmental policies and accusing Asian nations of polluting U.S. shores. He criticized green energy as economically harmful and claimed renewable energy is costlier than fossil fuels. Trump also berated European nations for continuing to purchase Russian energy.
Trump’s UN Climate and Energy Speech Quick Looks
- Trump called climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
- Accused the United Nations and global climate scientists of consistently making false predictions.
- Claimed Asian countries dump ocean waste that pollutes U.S. coastlines.
- Dismissed green energy policies, calling them “insane” and harmful to industrialized nations.
- Falsely stated renewables like solar and wind are more expensive than fossil fuels.
- Threatened strong tariffs on Russia, but demanded Europe halt its energy imports first.
- Mocked European leaders for relying on Russian oil while condemning the Ukraine war.
- Claimed his relationship with Putin would have prevented or ended the conflict.
- Called on the U.S. to restart domestic uranium enrichment as reliance on Russia grows.
Deep Look:
Trump Denounces Climate Change as “Con Job,” Slams Asian Ocean Pollution, Green Energy at UN General Assembly
UNITED NATIONS — In a sweeping speech before world leaders at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump declared that climate change is a “con job”, attacked environmental regulations, and criticized Asian nations for polluting the oceans with trash that ends up on American beaches.
His remarks marked one of the most aggressive rejections of global climate science ever delivered by a sitting U.S. president at the international forum.
“This climate change — it’s the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, in my opinion,” Trump said. “Global warming, global cooling — none of these predictions came true.”
Trump accused the United Nations and environmental groups of pushing a climate agenda based on fear and flawed science. He blamed environmental policies for weakening advanced economies while giving polluting nations a competitive advantage.
Trump Blames Asia for Ocean Pollution
In an unprompted turn, Trump launched into a criticism of Asian countries, blaming them for the buildup of ocean debris along the U.S. West Coast.
“They dump much of their garbage right into the ocean,” he claimed. “It flows right past Los Angeles, past San Francisco — massive amounts of garbage. Almost too much to do anything about.”
He contrasted this with strict environmental enforcement in the U.S., mocking domestic policies that punish individuals for minor infractions.
“Somebody will get in trouble because they dropped a cigarette on the beach — it’s crazy,” he said.
Attack on Green Energy: “Insane Rules” and False Claims
Trump also tore into renewable energy, labeling it a “green energy scam” that benefits countries that flout environmental rules.
“The primary effect of these brutal green policies is not to help the environment,” he said, “but to move industry from countries that play by the rules to those that don’t. They’re making a fortune.”
He falsely claimed that solar and wind energy are more expensive than fossil fuels, stating that such technologies are a burden on the U.S. economy.
However, independent studies contradict Trump’s assertions. A 2025 energy cost report published in June found that solar and wind are now the most cost-effective new energy sources — even without subsidies. They have also been key drivers of lower electricity prices across the U.S.
Analysts from Energy Innovation recently warned that Trump’s pro-fossil fuel agenda would actually increase electricity costs by 13% to 14% in red states such as Missouri, Kentucky, and South Carolina by 2035.
Dresses Down Europe for Russian Energy Purchases
Pivoting to geopolitics, Trump scolded European nations for continuing to buy Russian oil and gas, despite pledging to isolate Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
“It’s embarrassing. And it was very embarrassing to them when I found out about it,” Trump said. “They must immediately stop buying Russian energy. Otherwise, we’re all wasting our time.”
Although most European nations have significantly cut oil imports from Russia, many still rely on Russian natural gas. Trump pointed fingers at Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to account for much of Europe’s remaining Russian oil purchases.
He also called out China and India as the “primary funders of the ongoing war” in Ukraine due to their continued oil deals with Moscow.
Tariffs as a Peace Tool
Trump floated the idea of massive new tariffs on Russia as a means to force a peace settlement, but warned that European countries must join the effort for it to be effective.
“We are fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs,” Trump said. “But Europe must step up and do the exact same thing.”
He acknowledged that European leaders likely wouldn’t welcome his criticism, adding sarcastically, “I’m sure they’re thrilled to hear this, but that’s the way it is.”
U.S. Still Buying Russian Uranium
Despite Trump’s tough talk, the U.S. has dramatically increased imports of Russian uranium and plutonium, raising questions about energy hypocrisy. Imports have risen from $624 million in 2024 to $755 million so far in 2025.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, traveling with Trump, said the situation was being addressed:
“American buying uranium from Russia is not acceptable. We’re working to restart domestic enriched uranium production as soon as possible.”
AI Plan to Enforce Biological Weapons Treaty
In a rare policy initiative, Trump announced a U.S.-led effort to use artificial intelligence to monitor compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).
“We will pioneer an AI verification system that the world can trust,” Trump said. “And I call on every nation to join us in ending the development of biological weapons once and for all.”
He warned of the apocalyptic consequences of weapons of mass destruction:
“If we ever use them, the world might come to an end. There would be no United Nations left to talk about.”
Windmills, Cows, and Digressions
Trump’s speech frequently veered off-script. In one moment, he derided wind energy and climate activism by saying, “We don’t want cows anymore. I guess they want to kill all the cows.”
At other points, he referenced:
- His unsuccessful efforts to renovate the UN headquarters
- Barack Obama’s carbon footprint
- Crime reduction efforts in U.S. cities
- Garbage dumping by Asian nations
Despite exceeding the UN’s 15-minute speech limit, Trump continued with few reactions from the assembly. The room remained mostly quiet, aside from scattered laughter during an anecdote about meeting Brazilian President Lula da Silva backstage.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.