Trump Reacts to Gates’ Comments on Climate Change

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude on Truth Social for Bill Gates’ recent remarks regarding climate change, claiming victory over what he labeled the “climate change hoax.”

Gates, in a statement released on Tuesday, critiqued extreme views about climate change. He noted, “There is an apocalyptic view of climate change: In a few decades, catastrophic climate change will wipe out civilization. Fortunately for all of us, this view is wrong.” Trump has previously been an outspoken critic of climate change policies, addressing them during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September, where he called it “the greatest fraud ever committed in the world.”

Trump stated, “I (we!) just won the battle against climate change misinformation. Bill Gates finally admitted he was dead wrong on this issue. It took courage to do so, and for that we are all grateful. MAGA!!!”

Even as Gates acknowledged the need for reduced carbon emissions in his recent letter ahead of COP30, he emphasized the importance of affordability, reliability, and innovation, which align with key principles of the Trump administration’s energy policy.

Gates urged those at COP30 and beyond to focus on actions that will have the most significant positive impact on human well-being. He remarked, “Unfortunately, doomsday prospects have left much of the climate community focused too much on short-term emissions targets, diverting resources from what we can do most to improve life in a warming world.”

His recent remarks reflect a notable shift from his earlier statements, as noted by several energy policy experts.

Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright commented on Wednesday via X, thanking both Trump and Gates for “helping bring the conversation back to common sense.” Wright has consistently argued that while climate change is a valid concern, the issue of energy poverty poses a more considerable threat to humanity.