Trump and Conservative Leaders Reject Climate Policies at CPAC 2025
The 2025 CPAC held near Washington, D.C., showcased conservative leaders attacking climate policies, promoting fossil fuel deregulation, and favoring Trump’s MAGA agenda. Speakers dismissed scientific consensus and leveraged anti-climate rhetoric, indicating a shift away from prior discussions at the conference. With key figures like Trump, JD Vance, and Liz Truss in attendance, the event focused on reversing climate protections and enhancing energy production.
In February 2025, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) convened near Washington, D.C., featuring key figures such as former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and billionaire Elon Musk. The discussions prominently attacked climate protections and promoted fossil fuel deregulation, aligning closely with Trump’s previous policies.
During his address, Trump celebrated exiting the Paris Agreement and disparaged the Green New Deal, referring to it as a “scam” and claiming it was detrimental to the U.S. economy. He stated that it had cost the country trillions and hindered growth, further emphasizing his commitment to reversing environmental legislation.
Trump inaccurately characterized Biden’s environmental policies, claiming a mandate for electric vehicles that did not exist. He attempted humor regarding hydrogen vehicles, which had no factual basis related to safety issues. The overall tone of Trump’s speech was marked by a lack of substantial policy presentation.
This shift in CPAC’s environmental rhetoric saw speakers like former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss express discontent for her inability to lift the fracking ban during her brief tenure. Truss criticized net-zero policies for harming the UK’s energy sector and suggested navigation through her description of a “deep state” detrimental to energy production.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright advocated for a significant rollback of regulations to enhance energy production capabilities. His remarks included a focus on fossil fuel appliances like gas stoves, paralleling Trump’s longstanding push for increased extraction activities.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy expressed aspirations related to energy and hinted at challenges in his political career, hinting at a Senate run. Dunleavy’s initiatives align with Trump’s vision of leveraging Alaska’s resources to resolve broader national energy needs.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum indicated a focus on exploiting public lands while setting the stage to influence energy policy. His narrative revolved around cutting bureaucratic barriers to enhance production and positioning Trump as a leader in energy dominance.
Throughout the conference, the only climate-oriented presence came from CFACT, a conservative libertarian think tank. Their national field coordinator downplayed the scientific consensus on climate issues, indicating a targeted approach to engage younger demographics on college campuses.
The CPAC conference illustrated an explicit pivot away from scientific analysis, adopting bold anti-climate positions supported by prominent conservative figures, thus showcasing the strength of the MAGA agenda over environmental discourse.
In summary, the 2025 CPAC demonstrated a pronounced alignment among conservative leaders against climate protections, focusing on deregulation and fossil fuels. The conference featured inaccurate claims regarding environmental legislation, with an emphasis on advancing a pro-MAGA agenda devoid of scientific backing. Key figures emphasized a commitment to dismantle existing climate policies while promoting energy dominance through deregulation and a focus on fossil fuels.
Original Source: whowhatwhy.org
