Trump’s UN Speech Revives Familiar Claim
At the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2025, former President Donald Trump told delegates that “climate change is the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.” The remark echoed earlier statements he has made over the years, including calling climate change a “hoax” in social media posts dating back to 2012. The comment drew immediate attention from both supporters and critics, reigniting debate over the credibility of climate science.
Scientific Consensus Contradicts the Claim
Authoritative assessments from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), NASA, and NOAA conclude that the Earth’s climate is warming and that human activity is the primary cause. Global surface temperatures have risen by more than 1.1°C since the late 19th century, with recent years ranking among the hottest on record. Independent research groups such as Berkeley Earth corroborate these findings, using multiple datasets to show a clear, long-term warming trend. Scientists describe the evidence as unequivocal, rejecting the notion that climate change is fabricated.
Expert Reaction and Broader Context
Climate researchers criticized Trump’s characterization, warning that dismissing established science undermines efforts to address rising risks from extreme weather, sea-level rise, and other climate impacts. “The data are overwhelming—climate change is not a con, it is a measurable, observable phenomenon,” said one NOAA scientist in response to the speech. The administration has not clarified whether Trump’s remark was meant literally or as political rhetoric, but the comment underscores his longstanding skepticism toward climate policy. Experts stress that public statements of this kind can shape perception and policy at a time when global cooperation is critical.
