Al Gore Criticizes Trump and Gates at COP30 Climate Summit

Belém, Brazil – Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore expressed sharp criticism of both President Donald Trump and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates during an exclusive interview at the COP30 United Nations climate summit. Gore warned that Trump’s environmental policies are harming both the U.S. economy and global climate efforts.

In a discussion with the Guardian on Wednesday, Gore referred to Trump as “the most corrupt president in American history,” emphasizing that the President’s withdrawal from renewable energy initiatives is detrimental to the U.S. economy. “Trump is already doing a lot of damage [to the climate],” Gore said. He pointed out that China is significantly outpacing the U.S. in exporting green technology.

Gore also criticized Gates for recently advocating that climate change should take a back seat to health issues, calling the idea “silly.” He commented on Gates’s past alignment with climate activists, stating, “When Trump was elected, Bill fired most of his climate staffers and lavished praise on Trump.” Gore suggested that Gates may fear being bullied by Trump, saying, “It looks like it may be possible that he’s scared of Trump.”

Gore asserted that framing climate action and health as competing priorities is misguided. “The idea that there is a binary choice between health and climate is been roundly rejected by virtually every scientist,” he stated, backing his claims with recent reports from the Lancet highlighting health consequences of the climate crisis.

In addition to criticizing his former ally Gates, Gore robustly defended the COP process, remarking, “It accomplishes far more than it is given credit for.” He praised the collaboration between industries and civil society at these summits, noting that they drive forward necessary technological advancements and initiatives.

Gore also highlighted what he perceives as a “generational change” occurring in the U.S. regarding climate action, despite federal setbacks. “The American people spoke pretty loudly and clearly last week,” he said, referencing recent Republican election losses. He expressed optimism about the possibility of a “less obsequious” Congress towards Trump in future legislation.

During his address at the summit, Gore showcased alarming footage of climate-related disasters worldwide, stressing the urgency for action. “How long are we going to stand by and keep turning the thermostat up?” he said, warning about the dire implications of continued inaction.

Gore concluded by promoting his initiative that aims to map emissions and pollutants, remarking, “We are very excited about these new tools. Political will is a renewable resource.”