EPA Action on Greenhouse Gas Regulations
On February 12, the Trump administration rescinded a 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declaration. This original declaration stated that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a danger to public health. The repeal eliminates all greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles and could lead to further deregulation of climate-related standards for facilities such as power plants and oil and gas operations.
The Associated Press reported that the move was described by the Trump administration's EPA director, Lee Zeldin, as the "single largest deregulatory action in American history."
Commentary from Bill Maher
Late-night host Bill Maher criticized the administration's actions on his show, "Real Time With Bill Maher," stating that the move was the "biggest dick move in American history." Maher highlighted President Trump's consistent skepticism regarding climate change, noting Trump's past statements that climate change is a "hoax" and that scientists are "stupid people."
President Trump's Stance on Climate Change
In September 2025, President Trump delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, where he referred to climate change as "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world." He further suggested that predictions made by organizations like the United Nations were incorrect and made by "stupid people" leading countries to financial detriment if they pursued what he termed a "green scam."