Former Vice President Al Gore is sounding the alarm on President Donald Trump’s approach to clean energy, accusing him of launching a “jihad” against the global renewable energy transition. Gore made the comments in an interview with Axios, published Wednesday, where he said Trump’s opposition is even stronger now than during his first term in office.
What Happened
In his interview, Gore argued that Trump has become more aggressive in pushing back against clean energy initiatives. “He’s more loaded for bear this time around,” Gore said. The former vice president claimed Trump’s efforts are creating a “distortion field” in the United States while noting that support for renewable energy abroad has only grown stronger.
Gore’s remarks come at a tense political moment. The use of the term “jihad” follows the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk last week—a tragedy that reignited national debate over the role of rhetoric in fueling political violence.
Who Is Al Gore
Al Gore, who served as vice president under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, has long been one of America’s most prominent climate advocates. Since leaving office, he has dedicated much of his career to raising awareness about global warming, founding the Climate Reality Project, and producing the Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth.
Gore’s Past Rhetoric and Climate Advocacy
The comments are not Gore’s first use of pointed language against Trump and his administration. In April, he drew controversy by comparing Trump’s leadership style to Nazi Germany, though he later emphasized that Hitler’s regime was “uniquely evil.” He has also likened climate change deniers to law enforcement officers in Uvalde, Texas, who failed to act during the 2022 school shooting.
Despite criticism of his rhetoric, Gore maintains that urgency demands blunt comparisons. “We do have the solutions,” he said in a past interview, stressing that worsening climate disasters are beginning to change public opinion.
Public and Political Reactions
Gore’s recent “jihad” remark sparked strong responses across social media, where critics accused him of inflaming tensions, while supporters argued he is right to highlight what they view as Trump’s obstruction of climate policy. Political leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have recently urged public figures to “turn the temperature down” in light of rising political violence.
What Happens Next
Trump has not yet responded directly to Gore’s comments, but the debate underscores how climate policy remains a central flashpoint in American politics. With Trump signaling plans to roll back renewable energy initiatives if reelected, environmental advocates are bracing for a fierce policy battle ahead.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
