Trump at the UN: Climate Quotes with Explanations

1. “Climate change is the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”

Explanation:

Trillions of dollars have been committed globally under Net Zero pledges, yet global emissions remain stubbornly high.

Much of this money flows into subsidies, consultancy firms, and international “climate finance” schemes, with little measurable return.

Meanwhile, ordinary families are hit with higher bills to fund it all — making the “con job” accusation resonate.

2. “First it was global cooling, then global warming, now it’s climate change — whatever happens, they’re always right.”

Explanation:

In the 1970s, respected outlets like Time and Newsweek ran covers predicting a new ice age.

By the late 1980s, the fear shifted to global warming.

Now, “climate change” is a catch-all label so flexible that floods, droughts, heatwaves, and even cold spells are all used as proof — undermining credibility.

3. “If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail.”

Explanation:

Germany’s “Energiewende” has produced some of the highest electricity prices in the world and driven industry offshore.

UK households now pay record standing charges — over 500% higher than a decade ago — to cover renewable integration costs.

Energy-intensive sectors are shutting down in Europe while the U.S. and China expand fossil use, proving Trump’s warning correct.

4. “You’re destroying your countries with this nonsense.”

Explanation:

Germany shut nuclear plants while building unreliable wind and solar, forcing dependence on Russian gas — a strategic disaster.

Britain is covering productive farmland with solar farms that provide power mostly in summer, not winter when demand peaks.

Nations embracing Net Zero fastest are also facing deindustrialisation and public backlash.

5. “No more global warming, no more global cooling, whatever the hell happens, it’s climate change.”

Explanation:

This line cut through globally because it exposed the goalpost shifting in climate debate.

Science requires falsifiable predictions, but the phrase “climate change” is unfalsifiable — it explains everything and nothing.

That’s why public scepticism is growing, even as governments double down.

6. “Green energy is a scam.”

Explanation:

Wind and solar are intermittent — requiring backup from gas or coal. Consumers pay double: once for renewables, once for backup.

Billions in subsidies have created “corporate welfare” for developers and foreign investors, while grids struggle with reliability.

Calling it a scam reflects the sense that the public pays, while elites profit.

7. “Look at Europe — they are going broke because of green energy.”

Explanation:

Germany’s chemical and steel industries are shutting plants due to high electricity prices.

Britain is losing manufacturing competitiveness while facing one of the most expensive grids in the developed world.

Meanwhile, Europe still imports coal and gas to keep lights on — proving that green policy doesn’t deliver independence.

8. “They say the science is settled. Science is never settled.”

Explanation:

In science, hypotheses must be constantly tested and open to challenge.

The climate lobby’s claim of “settled science” shuts down debate and inquiry.

Trump tapped into a core principle: genuine science evolves, ideology pretends to be final.

9. “The UN should be helping nations prosper, not destroying them with climate mandates.”

Explanation:

Developing countries want growth, cheap energy, and industrialisation — but are being pressured into abandoning coal, oil, and gas.

The UN’s climate frameworks demand trillions in “climate finance” transfers from Western taxpayers.

For many poorer nations, prosperity and reliable power come first — aligning with Trump’s critique.

10. “Windmills and solar panels can’t power a modern economy.”

Explanation:

Solar produces most during the day and summer; wind is unpredictable.

Storage technology (batteries, hydrogen) remains limited, expensive, and often environmentally damaging.

Industrial economies require stable baseload — something only nuclear, coal, and gas currently provide.

11. “Why should Americans pay while China and India build coal plants every week?”

Explanation:

China adds roughly two new coal plants per week. India is also expanding coal capacity to meet demand.

Meanwhile, Western nations tax their own citizens and shut industries to “set an example” that the biggest emitters ignore.

Trump’s framing highlights the futility of unilateral sacrifice.

12. “I pulled America out of the Paris Agreement because it was a bad deal.”

Explanation:

The Paris Agreement demanded U.S. cuts while letting China increase emissions until at least 2030.

Compliance would have cost the U.S. hundreds of billions, with little measurable impact on global CO₂ levels.

By rejecting Paris, Trump defended American sovereignty and economic interest — a stance now vindicated as global emissions continue to rise despite the agreement.