‘Whatever Happened To Global Warming?’: Trump Mocks Climate Change Amid US Cold Wave

Last Updated:January 23, 2026, 20:21 IST

Donald Trump took aim at climate activists, asking, “Could the environmental insurrectionist please explain – WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING?”

US President Donald Trump. (Getty File)

US President Donald Trump renewed his long-standing skepticism of climate change, using forecasts of extreme cold weather across much of the country to mock the idea of global warming. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said a “record cold wave" was expected to hit 40 states and described the conditions as “rarely seen." He then took aim at climate activists, asking, “Could the environmental insurrectionist please explain – WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING?"

The remarks came as large parts of the US braced for sub-zero temperatures, snowstorms and icy conditions, with weather agencies warning of dangerous wind chills and widespread disruptions across several regions.

Trump’s comments are consistent with his long-running criticism of climate science and environmental policy. Over the years, he has repeatedly dismissed global warming as exaggerated or fraudulent, often citing cold weather events as evidence against long-term climate trends.

During his previous term in office, Trump described climate change as a “very expensive hoax" and claimed it was invented to undermine US economic competitiveness. He has also questioned the scientific consensus in international forums, arguing that climate policies place unfair burdens on American industries and workers.

His administration rolled back numerous environmental regulations and withdrew the US from the Paris climate agreement, drawing sharp criticism from scientists, environmental groups and several US allies. Trump later said his approach prioritised “clean air and clean water" without what he called “job-killing" climate rules.

At the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, Trump escalated his rhetoric, calling climate change “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world" and dismissing climate predictions as being made by “stupid people." At the time, he portrayed renewable energy as a “scam," characterised carbon accounting as a conspiracy, suggested environmentalists wanted to “kill all the cows" and repeatedly praised what he called “clean, beautiful coal."

News world ‘Whatever Happened To Global Warming?’: Trump Mocks Climate Change Amid US Cold Wave

Read More