Trump and Allies at CPAC 2025: A Continuation of Anti-Climate Stance

The 2025 CPAC featured strong pro-fossil fuel rhetoric from Donald Trump and conservative allies, favoring deregulation and dismissing environmental policies. Trump criticized climate agreements, and speakers like Liz Truss blamed net-zero policies for energy challenges. Energy Secretary Chris Wright pushed for more energy production, highlighting competition with China. The event lacked scientific discussions on climate change, underscoring an anti-science stance prominent among attendees.

In mid-February 2025, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) convened near Washington, D.C., featuring prominent conservatives who rallied around President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. The event highlighted their agenda favoring fossil fuel deregulation, showcasing speeches from key figures including Vice President JD Vance and ex-Trump advisor Steve Bannon. Trump emphatically criticized the Paris Agreement and dismissed the Green New Deal as a “disaster” and “hoax,” reflecting an anti-climate stance prevalent at this year’s conference.

Throughout his speech, Trump inaccurately claimed to have terminated various climate policies, asserting that there had never been a mandate under President Biden requiring a switch to electric vehicles. His comments emphasized the rejection of scientific discourse and were marked by a lack of factual support. He further ridiculed hydrogen vehicles with unfounded statements, ending his address with a flamboyant dance to the Village People’s “YMCA.”

The general tone of CPAC 2025 indicated a shift away from scientific discussions on climate, with no breakout sessions dedicated to environmental science. Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss expressed frustration over the revival of a fracking ban she attempted to lift while in office. She criticized net-zero policies for damaging the UK’s energy sector and reiterated a desire to dismantle the “deep state.”

Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized Trump’s philosophy of increasing energy production while criticizing current regulations imposed by the Biden administration, particularly regarding fossil fuel usage. He highlighted the need for energy resources to support artificial intelligence operations, asserting the necessity for competition with China in this domain. He also noted the impact of tech companies’ financial contributions to Trump’s agenda, suggesting favorable regulatory changes as a result.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy was seen as aspiring for a higher role within the Trump administration, aiming to challenge existing Senate Republicans in future elections. His promotional campaign at the conference touted a liquefied natural gas project intended for international markets, particularly Asian customers, rather than the continental United States. This initiative illustrated the strategic geopolitical ambitions behind energy policies promoted by Trump and Dunleavy.

Doug Burgum, the new Secretary of the Interior, outlined plans to exploit public lands for energy purposes, claiming that such actions would enhance U.S. trade relationships and potentially lead to a Nobel Prize for Trump. Burgum’s aspirations are consistent with an agenda focused on dismantling environmental protections to maximize energy production. His newly founded National Energy Dominance Council aims to streamline operations across various energy sectors.

In the exhibit hall, the only group addressing climate issues was CFACT, a conservative libertarian think tank. Their representatives disputed the consensus on climate change and advocated for alternative viewpoints on college campuses. They voiced concerns about the predominance of leftist ideologies in academic settings and expressed a need for conservative perspectives among youth.

The 2025 CPAC event highlighted a strong anti-climate and pro-fossil fuel agenda led by Donald Trump and other conservative figures. The absence of scientific engagement, alongside misleading statements regarding environmental policies, exemplified a collective denial of climate change. The focus on deregulation and the potential for increased energy exploitation reflects a prioritization of economic interests over climate action. The conference showcased an unwavering commitment to traditional energy sources amidst growing global concerns about climate change and sustainability.

Original Source: www.desmog.com