Newsom criticizes Trump’s comments on climate change

On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump, just a day after labeling climate change as a “fraud.”

“How hateful! What an embarrassment. What a scam,” Newsom remarked at a New York Times Climate Forward Event, drawing applause from the audience.

During his speech at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump described climate change as “the biggest fraudulent job done in the world.” He also took aim at the nation for prioritizing clean energy initiatives.

“If you don’t run away from this green scam, your country will fail,” Trump warned attendees, adding, “And I’m really good at predicting things.”

Since resuming office in January, Trump has focused on rolling back environmental regulations. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed eliminating the requirements for businesses to report greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, in July, the agency suggested a withdrawal of the 2009 findings on the dangers of greenhouse gases, which allowed the EPA to regulate emissions from new vehicles and engines.

This pushback against climate regulations has faced opposition from Democrats in Congress and the Independent National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Trump has repeatedly rejected the notion that human actions, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to global warming. However, a significant majority of scientists argue that human activity has indeed impacted the Earth’s climate.

“I live in one of America’s most critical regions, and I can say that lifestyles, places, and traditions have been irreparably harmed by climate change,” Newsom said on Wednesday.

As a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election, Newsom also slammed companies that he believes have compromised their values for the administration’s favor, specifically pointing out General Motors and its CEO, Mary Barra.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, and others, recently called for a rollback of vehicle emissions regulations in a letter to the Trump administration, according to The Los Angeles Times.

“Corporate leaders, people are fearful of this man’s death. It’s a horrifying situation and they’re complicit,” Newsom commented. “The most successful and wealthy individuals are scared into submission by this man.”

Newsom’s team reached out to GM for their response to his statements.