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In a speech that spanned over 100 minutes, President Trump delivered a State of the Union address devoid of any mention of climate change, despite the significant environmental challenges facing the nation. Instead, he focused on his “drill, baby, drill” mantra, praising the surge in American oil production while dismissing Joe Biden’s climate initiatives as a “green new scam.” This starkly contrasts with the mounting scientific evidence linking extreme weather events, like last year’s catastrophic flooding in Texas, to the ongoing climate crisis.
Climate Crisis Overlooked
During his address, Trump recounted the devastating flooding that struck Camp Mystic in Texas last July, describing it as “one of the worst things I’ve ever seen.” He highlighted the heroic efforts of Scott Ruskan, a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer who saved 165 individuals during the disaster, alongside a young girl he rescued. However, while Trump acknowledged the severity of these floods, he failed to connect them to the broader narrative of climate change that experts warn is exacerbating such extreme weather.
Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist at Texas A&M University, pointed out the role of increased atmospheric carbon in intensifying weather patterns, stating, “Because of this extra energy, every weather event we see now carries some influence from climate change.” Yet, Trump has consistently labelled climate change a “hoax,” focusing instead on bolstering fossil fuel production.
Fossil Fuel Focus
In his address, Trump proudly proclaimed that oil production has increased by over 600,000 barrels daily, asserting, “American natural gas production is at an all-time high because I kept my promise to drill, baby, drill.” However, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics tells a different story, indicating that the push for energy dominance has led to the loss of 15,000 jobs in the mining, oil, and natural gas sectors since his administration began.
While promoting fossil fuels, Trump has simultaneously undermined the renewable energy sector. His administration has rolled back approvals for wind and solar projects, resulting in the loss or delay of nearly 173,000 clean energy jobs, according to analysis from Climate Power. Critics argue that these actions jeopardise the nation’s transition to sustainable energy sources, particularly as the demand for electricity surges due to the increasing reliance on data centres for artificial intelligence.
Energy Costs and Corporate Accountability
Despite promising to reduce electricity costs, many American households faced a 6.7% increase in their energy bills in 2025 compared to the previous year. Margie Alt, the director of the Climate Action Campaign, highlighted the contradiction between Trump’s claims of protecting consumers and the dismantling of clean energy infrastructure, which could alleviate rising costs.
In an attempt to address energy costs, Trump introduced “ratepayer protection pledges,” asserting that major tech firms must take responsibility for their electricity usage. He claimed this would prevent price hikes and potentially lower costs for communities. However, environmental advocates expressed skepticism about this initiative, with Mitch Jones from Food and Water Watch remarking that such corporate commitments primarily serve the interests of the tech giants rather than the public.
Jones further cautioned that unchecked growth in AI and its associated energy demands could hinder climate goals, given that most US data centres rely heavily on fossil fuels. He advocated for a pause on new data centre construction, emphasising the urgent need for corporate accountability in addressing the climate crisis.
Why it Matters
Trump’s State of the Union address illustrates a glaring disconnect between political rhetoric and the pressing realities of climate change. By prioritising fossil fuel production over sustainable energy initiatives, the administration risks exacerbating an already dire situation. As climate-related disasters become increasingly frequent and severe, the call for robust, actionable policies to combat climate change grows louder. The future of energy in the United States hinges on the ability to pivot towards renewable sources, but continued resistance from political leaders may leave the nation unprepared for the challenges ahead.
