In a controversial post on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump claimed total victory in what he has long called the “war on the climate change hoax.” He based his declaration on a recent memo from billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, which Trump interpreted as a full admission of error on the issue of global warming.
What Exactly Did Trump Say?
Taking to his Truth Social platform, President Trump framed the moment as a definitive win. “I (WE!) just won the War on the Climate Change Hoax. Bill Gates has finally admitted that he was completely WRONG on the issue. It took courage to do so, and for that we are all grateful,” he wrote. This assertion aligns with his long-standing position of denying the scientific consensus on climate change, which he has previously labeled a “liberal hoax” and the “greatest con job ever.”
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What Did Bill Gates Actually Write?
The memo from Bill Gates presented a more nuanced outlook than Trump’s characterization suggests. Gates stated that climate change “will not lead to humanity’s demise,” a point Trump seized upon. However, Gates also clearly outlined that the consequences of a warming world would still be “serious.” He argued that people would be able to “live and thrive in most places on Earth for the foreseeable future,” emphasizing that addressing global disease and poverty is a critical part of preparing for the impacts of climate change.
How Has Trump’s Administration Addressed Climate Policy?
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has actively reversed policies aimed at combating climate change that were initiated by previous administrations. His administration has rolled back numerous environmental regulations. This policy direction follows a 2024 election campaign that was notably supported by hundreds of millions of dollars in donations from the oil and gas industry, often referred to as “Big Oil.”
Is Gates Backing Away from Climate Action?
In his memo, Gates anticipated and directly addressed the kind of interpretation Trump made. He acknowledged that some might see his comments as a “sneaky way of arguing that we shouldn’t take climate change seriously.” In response, he reaffirmed his commitment to the issue by highlighting the tremendous progress that has already been done in reducing emissions and expressing his continued faith that future technology advancements will further address the problem.
