Trump’s 2025 CPAC: A Turn Toward Fossil Fuels and Anti-Climate Rhetoric

At the 2025 CPAC, Donald Trump and conservative leaders promoted a fossil fuel deregulation agenda, celebrated the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and disparaged climate policies. The event shifted away from scientific discussions, focusing instead on political and cultural stances. Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss and U.S. officials underscored a need for alternative energy policies and economic competitiveness, while CFACT stood as the sole climate-focused presence.

At the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held near Washington, D.C., prominent figures, including President Donald Trump, gathered to promote a fossil fuel deregulation agenda. Trump celebrated his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, referring to it as a “disaster” and labeled the Green New Deal as a “hoax.” His speech lacked substantial policy facts, including incorrect claims regarding electric vehicle mandates, directly contradicting existing regulations set by the Biden Administration.

The conference shifted from previous years’ scientific discussions on climate change to a focus on anti-climate rhetoric. This change was evident in speeches, such as that of former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who lamented the reinstatement of the fracking ban and criticized net-zero policies for harming the UK oil and gas industry. Truss’s remarks emphasized the economic consequences, including rising energy prices and the closure of steel plants.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright advocated for Trump’s “drill baby drill” approach, stating intentions to eliminate existing regulations to enhance energy production. He also addressed the energy demands of artificial intelligence technologies and stressed the need for the U.S. to maintain leadership in AI development, as competition with countries like China remains a priority for the administration.

The conference featured advertisements for Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy’s campaign aspirations, signaling his interest in a potential Senate bid. Dunleavy emphasized Trump’s vision of Alaska as a solution to U.S. energy issues, such as the proposed $44 billion liquefied natural gas project aimed at Asian markets rather than the continental United States.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum pledged to explore new ways to capitalize on public lands for energy production, suggesting it would alleviate trade deficits and reduce international conflicts. His focus on achieving energy dominance aligned with Trump’s agenda, creating a task force aimed at streamlining energy production processes.

The exhibit hall at CPAC saw a shift in focus toward cultural issues, with conservative stances against abortion and transgender rights taking precedence. The only climate-focused group present, the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), promoted its libertarian viewpoints and sought to counter perceived liberal dominance on college campuses, emphasizing the need for alternative perspectives in education.

The 2025 CPAC showcased a firm commitment from conservatives to reject mainstream climate policies in favor of promoting fossil fuels and deregulation. Trump’s speech underscored a belief in anti-climate rhetoric, supported by other conservative leaders who echoed similar views. The event marked a shift toward culture war issues while neglecting scientific discourse on climate change, emphasizing a call for energy dominance and deregulation across various sectors.

Original Source: www.desmog.com