During a recent speech at Trump Tower in New York City, former President Donald Trump made a bewildering assertion that the world should prioritize ‘nuclear warming’ over global warming.
Speaking to a room full of reporters, Trump remarked, ‘They don’t mention it.
They don’t mention that the ocean’s going to rise a quarter of an inch over the next 500 years… what they should start mentioning is nuclear warming.’
Trump’s comments have left many scratching their heads, particularly because ‘nuclear warming’ isn’t a recognized term in the scientific community.
This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the term.
In conversation with billionaire Elon Musk last month, Trump again suggested that ‘nuclear warming’ should be a bigger concern than climate change.
Musk attempted to make sense of Trump’s statement, suggesting it referred to the threat of nuclear war.
During a December interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump doubled down on this idea, claiming that ‘nuclear is the biggest problem.’
He argued that a nuclear conflict could occur instantaneously, unlike the gradual impacts of climate change.
‘All it takes is one madman… and it’s only a matter of seconds,’ Trump emphasized.
Trump’s new catchphrase has drawn ire and confusion.
While he has often expressed skepticism about climate change, his latest comments straddle the line between hyperbole and misinformation.
Critics point out that the term ‘nuclear warming’ appears to be a rhetorical device rather than a scientifically valid concept.
Climate scientists and experts have been quick to dismiss Trump’s assertions. Michael Mann, a prominent climate scientist, criticized both Trump and Musk for their misleading statements.
‘It is sad that Elon Musk has become a climate change denier, but that’s what he is,’ Mann said, highlighting Musk’s role in perpetuating climate misinformation despite his historical contributions to clean energy.
Trump’s remarks aren’t just limited to climate denial. He also managed to weave in alarming views on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
According to Trump, Russia’s potential use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine could spell immediate and catastrophic consequences.
Adding another layer to his erratic commentary, Trump touched upon his legal battles and the upcoming 2024 presidential race during the same interview.
He emphasized that he would not drop out of the race under any circumstances, even if convicted on charges related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s latest round of comments underscores the perennial challenge of deciphering his often controversial and unscientific proclamations.
For now, it seems the term ‘nuclear warming’ will remain an enigma, raising more questions than it answers.