Trump and CPAC 2025: A Denial of Climate Policies and Assertions of Energy Dominance

At the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference, key conservative figures, including Donald Trump, emphasized a dismissive stance toward climate policies and a commitment to fossil fuel deregulation. Trump denounced the Paris Agreement and the Green New Deal, while discussions centered on energy competition with China and exploitation of natural resources. Organizations like CFACT aimed to promote conservative viewpoints on climate change among younger populations, highlighting a broader strategy to reshape climate discourse.

The 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held near Washington, D.C., showcased various prominent conservative figures who staunchly advocated for the deregulation of fossil fuels. Speeches from notable attendees, including Vice President JD Vance and former presidential aide Steve Bannon, culminated with a address by former President Donald Trump, who reiterated his opposition to climate agreements and initiatives. Trump boasted about withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, labeling it a “disaster,” and denounced the Green New Deal as an elaborate hoax that wasted taxpayer money.

During his speech, Trump frequently referenced falsified climate policies, showcasing a stark departure from previous iterations of CPAC, which occasionally entertained scientific discussions. This year, the discourse was dominated by anti-climate rhetoric, devoid of rigorous scientific presentations. Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss criticized her prior government’s return to a fracking ban, claiming the previous net-zero policies crippled Britain’s energy sector and driven up costs.

Chris Wright, U.S. Energy Secretary and former fracking CEO, emphasized an agenda to dismantle regulations hindering fossil fuel production. Amid escalating discussions about energy competition with China, he highlighted the necessity for robust energy resources to support advancing artificial intelligence technologies. Additionally, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy actively promoted a liquified natural gas pipeline projected to serve Asian markets, linking Trump’s energy vision with his state’s resources.

The appointment of Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior features plans for greater exploitation of public lands to meet energy demands. Burgum articulated a vision to concertedly address trade deficits and international dependencies, hinting at broader geopolitical goals under Trump’s leadership. His establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council is aimed at expediting energy production through regulatory reform.

CFACT, a libertarian think tank, remained a solitary voice for climate discourse within the conference exhibition hall, advocating a contrarian view on climate change science. The group seeks to infiltrate college campuses with conservative perspectives, as expressed by Nate Myers, its national field coordinator, who criticized perceived liberal dominance in academic settings. CFACT’s financial structure is characterized by both grassroots contributions and larger donations, although links to significant funders remain contentious.

This narrative of the CPAC 2025 serves as a reflection of the contemporary conservative movement’s stance on climate policies, revealing both a unified message against regulation and a burgeoning focus on energy as a component of national identity and strength.

The 2025 CPAC highlighted a consolidated conservative stance against climate policies, led prominently by Donald Trump and other key figures who rejected regulatory frameworks favoring clean energy. Emphasizing fossil fuel exploitation and opposing initiatives like the Green New Deal, speakers united under themes of economic competition and deregulation. The emerging narratives suggest a progressive bifurcation in climate discussions, wherein conservative voices actively reshape the discourse toward energy dominance. Meanwhile, organizations like CFACT exemplify attempts to mold the youth narrative within academia, indicating ongoing efforts to challenge mainstream climate science. Overall, CPAC 2025 underlined a commitment to fossil fuels, while sidelining scientific advocacy, suggesting a sustained challenge for climate action advocates.

Original Source: whowhatwhy.org