Washington, D.C. – Former Vice President Al Gore has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s energy policies, accusing him of waging a “jihad” against the global shift toward renewable energy. Gore made the comments during an interview with Axios published Wednesday, saying Trump has become even more aggressive in opposing clean energy than during his first term.
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What Happened
In his remarks, Gore argued that Trump’s renewed push against renewable initiatives is damaging U.S. progress while the rest of the world expands investment in solar, wind, and clean technologies.
“He’s more full of bears this time,” Gore said, claiming Trump is creating “destruction zones” in America’s energy landscape.
The former vice president’s language drew added attention given its timing—just days after the killing of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, which has sparked nationwide debate on whether heated rhetoric contributes to political violence.
Who Is Al Gore?
Al Gore, vice president under Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, has been one of America’s most prominent climate advocates for decades. After leaving office, he founded the Climate Reality Project and produced the Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, which helped bring global awareness to the threat of climate change.
Gore’s Rhetoric and Climate Advocacy
This is not the first time Gore has used strong comparisons when criticizing Trump. Earlier this year, he drew controversy by likening Trump’s leadership style to Nazi Germany—later clarifying that Hitler’s regime was “uniquely evil.” He has also compared climate change denial to law enforcement failures during the 2022 Uvalde school shooting.
Despite criticism of his blunt style, Gore has defended his approach, saying urgent threats demand equally urgent language: “We have solutions,” he has previously emphasized, urging faster adoption of renewable energy.
Public and Political Reactions
Gore’s “jihad” remark triggered intense debate online. Critics accused him of escalating tensions, while supporters argued that his warning was justified given Trump’s opposition to climate policies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other political leaders have recently called on public figures to “lower the temperature” in political discourse, warning of rising risks of violence.
What Happens Next
Trump has not yet publicly responded to Gore’s comments, but the clash underscores how climate policy remains a central political flashpoint in the 2024–2025 cycle. Trump has already signaled plans to roll back renewable energy programs if re-elected, setting the stage for a fierce policy battle with environmental advocates.
Conclusion
Al Gore’s remarks mark another chapter in the long-running feud between climate advocates and Trump’s energy agenda. While his “jihad” comment has fueled controversy, it also highlights the stakes of America’s energy future as the nation weighs fossil fuels against renewable alternatives.