Trump still thinks climate change is ‘bunk’ — Priebus
Source: Hannah Hess, E&E News reporter • Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2016
President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming White House chief of staff yesterday said his boss remained skeptical of the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change.
In an interview with The New York Times last week, Trump said he had “an open mind” when asked whether he would withdraw from the Paris climate accord and acknowledged “some connectivity” between humans and climate change (E&ENews PM, Nov. 22).
Asked about Trump’s remarks yesterday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus told “Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace that Trump is listening to the people and not being flexible on his campaign promises.
“As far as this issue on climate change — the only thing he was saying after being asked a few questions about it is, look, he’ll have an open mind about it but he has his default position, which most of it is a bunch of bunk, but he’ll have an open mind and listen to people,” Priebus said.
“I think that’s what he’s saying,” he added.
The full transcript of Trump’s Nov. 22 Times interview shows meandering remarks on the issue of climate change.
For instance, Trump said the “hottest day ever” occurred in “1890-something.” He said, “You know, you can make lots of cases for different views. I have a totally open mind.”