Former President Donald Trump has taken to social media to share his climate change talking points ahead of his upcoming debate with President Joe Biden. The debate, set to take place on June 27, will be a critical moment for both candidates as they outline their respective records and future plans on climate policy.
Trump’s talking points, which he posted on his Truth Social platform, were reportedly provided by his former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Andrew Wheeler. The post advises Trump to highlight the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions during his administration and to criticize Biden for rising energy costs and rejoining the Paris Climate Accords. The talking points argue that the Paris Agreement sends American dollars overseas to benefit other countries, including China.
This approach marks a notable shift from Trump’s previous rhetoric on climate change. Historically, Trump has dismissed climate change as a “hoax” and has been a staunch supporter of the fossil fuel industry. However, his new talking points acknowledge the relationship between climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, a significant departure from his earlier stance.
During Trump’s first term, carbon emissions did indeed drop, but at a slower rate compared to the Obama administration. Emissions fell by 0.5 percent in the first three years of Trump’s presidency before a steep decline in 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. Trump’s administration also lifted several restrictions on oil and gas pipelines and exited the Paris Agreement, a move that was heavily criticized by environmentalists.
In contrast, Biden reentered the Paris Agreement shortly after taking office and denied permits for the Keystone XL Pipeline. Despite these actions, domestic oil production has reached an all-time high under Biden’s administration. U.S. crude output broke records in 2023, outpacing production in Saudi Arabia and Russia over the last six years, a period that includes both Trump and Biden’s presidencies.
Trump’s social media post also serves as a preview of the arguments he is likely to use during the debate. He is expected to blame Biden for the current economic challenges, including inflation and the federal deficit. During a recent speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s conference, Trump used a miniature box of Tic Tac candies to illustrate the impact of inflation, a tactic he hinted he might use during the debate.
However, the debate will have strict rules, including a prohibition on props and pre-written notes, which means Trump will have to rely on his verbal arguments rather than visual aids. The debate will also feature microphones that mute when a candidate is not speaking, a measure designed to prevent interruptions and ensure a more orderly discussion.
Trump’s economic platform for his potential second term includes a hardline tariff policy on all imports, pressuring the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, and extending his first-term tax cuts. Economists have warned that these proposals could exacerbate inflation if implemented. Trump has also proposed eliminating taxes on tipped income and has walked back previous comments about cutting Social Security, stating that he will not cut a penny from Social Security or Medicare.
The upcoming debate will be a crucial opportunity for both candidates to present their visions for the future, particularly on climate policy. Biden’s administration has made climate change a central focus, with significant policy proposals aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that a majority of Americans (64%) believe efforts to reduce the effects of climate change need to be prioritized today to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations.
The survey also revealed that while there is broad support for renewable energy and stricter environmental regulations, most Americans favor a mix of energy sources, including renewables and fossil fuels. There is limited support for phasing out fossil fuels entirely, and the public is closely divided over the idea of phasing out gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
Generational differences in views on climate change are also significant. Younger Americans, particularly those in Generation Z and Millennials, are more engaged with the issue and more likely to support aggressive climate action. In contrast, older generations, including Baby Boomers, are less likely to prioritize climate change and more supportive of continued fossil fuel use.
As the debate approaches, both Trump and Biden will need to address these complex and often divisive issues. Trump’s new talking points suggest he is preparing to engage more directly with climate policy, a topic that has become increasingly important to voters. Whether this shift will resonate with the electorate remains to be seen, but it is clear that climate change will be a key issue in the upcoming election.
Source: Pew Research Center, The Hill, Reuters
