Statement by President Trump on the Paris Climate Accord

The President began his remarks by acknowledging the tragic terrorist attack in Manila, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to monitoring global security threats. He emphasized the importance of protecting American citizens and ensuring national security remains a top priority.

Before discussing the Paris Climate Accord, he highlighted the nation’s economic progress since the election, noting $3.3 trillion in stock market value growth and the addition of over one million private-sector jobs. He also underscored the significance of his recent overseas trip, where the administration secured $350 billion in military and economic agreements, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for Americans.

During the G7 summit, the United States took decisive steps to demand fair and reciprocal trade, ensuring a level playing field for American businesses. The administration also made significant progress in the fight against terrorism, encouraging more excellent international contributions to counterterrorism efforts.

Fulfilling Promises to the American People

The President reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, including cutting burdensome regulations, appointing a Supreme Court justice, reducing illegal immigration, and bringing jobs and industries back to the U.S. He emphasized that the administration is dedicated to putting American interests first, ensuring long-term economic prosperity and national security.

The United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord to uphold this commitment. The decision was made to protect American workers, businesses, and taxpayers from the economic disadvantages imposed by the agreement. However, the administration is open to negotiating a new deal that is fair and beneficial to the United States. If a more favorable agreement can be reached, the country will consider rejoining under improved terms.

The Economic Burden of the Paris Climate Accord

The President described the Paris Accord as unfair to the United States, citing its disproportionate impact on the American economy while allowing other nations, particularly China and India, to expand emissions with minimal restrictions.

Under the current terms, the agreement would result in:

• 2.7 million lost jobs by 2025, including 440,000 fewer manufacturing jobs.
• Significant production cuts in major industries:
  • Paper: down 12%
  • Cement: down 23%
  • Iron and steel: down 38%
  • Coal: down 86%
  • Natural gas: down 31%
• An estimated $3 trillion reduction in GDP and 6.5 million lost industrial jobs by 2040.

Additionally, compliance with the agreement would result in higher energy costs for American households, with families potentially losing an average of $7,000 in income.

Environmental Goals vs. Economic Reality

While reaffirming his commitment to environmental protection, the President stated that the Paris Accord does not effectively address global emissions. Even if fully implemented, it would only reduce global temperatures by 0.2 degrees Celsius by 2100 while imposing severe economic consequences on the United States.

Furthermore, the agreement allows China to continue increasing emissions for 13 years, while India’s participation is contingent on receiving billions of dollars in foreign aid. Meanwhile, the United States is expected to bear the financial burden and enforce strict energy regulations, disproportionately affecting American workers.

A Shift Toward Energy Independence

The administration has prioritized revitalizing the coal industry and expanding domestic energy production. Unlike the Paris Accord, which restricts the development of clean coal, countries such as China, India, and even European nations are allowed to expand coal production.

With the U.S. withdrawing from the agreement, the administration is focused on utilizing America’s vast energy resources to reduce dependency on foreign energy, create jobs, and strengthen national security. The United States has some of the most abundant energy reserves in the world, and leveraging these resources is essential for economic growth.

Ensuring Fairness in Global Agreements

The decision to withdraw is rooted in protecting American sovereignty and ensuring that international agreements do not unfairly disadvantage the United States. The President criticized the Green Climate Fund, which requires the U.S. to contribute billions of dollars while other nations provide little to no funding. He emphasized that the agreement represents a massive wealth transfer from the U.S. to other countries without ensuring meaningful environmental progress.

The administration remains committed to negotiating a better deal prioritizing economic growth and environmental protection without disadvantaging American businesses and workers.

Commitment to American Workers and Economic Growth

The President emphasized that he must protect American workers and the economy. The Paris Accord restricts U.S. industries, limits economic opportunities, and imposes unrealistic financial burdens while giving foreign nations a competitive advantage.

Moving forward, the administration will work to develop an energy policy that supports economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship without subjecting the U.S. to unfair international agreements. The President reaffirmed his commitment to making America the world's most competitive and prosperous nation, ensuring a high standard of living for all citizens.

Conclusion

By withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, the administration prioritizes American jobs, economic strength, and energy independence. The U.S. will continue to lead the world in environmental protection while fostering economic policies that support industry growth.

The President remains open to negotiating a better agreement that protects the economy and the environment. Until such an agreement is reached, the United States will continue with a policy that prioritizes American workers, businesses, and taxpayers.