On a case-by-case basis, I analyze team Trump and Musk actions. Put this one solidly in the plus column.
Pledge Canceled
Please note the US Rescinds UN Climate Fund Pledges.
The US has canceled about $4bn in pledged money to the UN’s Green Climate Fund, the latest sign a sharp policy shift under President Donald Trump.
The State Department late last week said the US “has rescinded outstanding pledges to the Green Climate Fund,” but did not provide any further details.
The US under former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama had pledged about $6bn combined to the GCF, with the most recent commitment announced at the Cop 28 climate talks in Dubai. But the two administrations were able to deliver only $2bn of the funding.
The cancellation of the GCF pledges is just the latest step by Trump to quickly reverse course for US climate and clean energy policies. Among his first acts after taking office last month Trump ordered the US to exit the Paris climate agreement and to pause spending on renewable energy projects. In addition, secretary of state Marco Rubio said the US would stop engaging in climate diplomacy.
“If pledges are not fully realized, our ability to support the climate ambitions of developing countries will be constrained,” the GCF said.
Boo-Hoo Version
For the boo-hoo version of this story, look to MSN Abandoning the UN Climate Pledge—Trump Makes the US a Global Outcast Again
In a move that shocked the international community, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement, a global accord aimed at combating climate change. S.
the only country to reject the widely supported climate pact, isolating it from the rest of the world. The Paris Agreement, signed by 195 countries in 2015, was a landmark in the fight against climate change.
It aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. S. [Mish note: something is missing here because this is exactly how the article looks with two consecutive incomplete sentences]
not only turned its back on a collective effort to address climate change but also abandoned its leadership role in this crucial global issue.
I believe that is supposed to say “The U.S. not only turned its back ….”
Boo-hoo. Spare me the sap. This was expected, not shocking, so what a ridiculous story.
Let’s get to the point.
Is this Legal?
You should know the answer because otherwise I would not be cheering. The US Senate never ratified the Paris Accord treaty.
President Obama signed the Paris Accord in 2015 despite the fact the US Senate never approved the treaty. But presidents have been sending money to these causes anyway.
President Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement during his first term.
President Joe Biden rejoined the agreement in 2021.
The correct view is that even if you support the idea, is the Senate needs to sign treaties.
Let’s Discuss USMCA
I am a legal sticker on these issues.
The US Senate ratified Trump’s USMCA deal 89-10. Trump called the deal “the best trade deal in US history”. It was not Trump’s authority to break USMCA.
It is a bad idea for US presidents to unilaterally sign treaties or break those that are signed. Period.
Trade War Details Emerge: 25 Percent Tariffs but Only 10 Percent on Oil
On February 1, I noted Trade War Details Emerge: 25 Percent Tariffs but Only 10 Percent on Oil
The U.S. notified Canada that it will be imposing a 25% tariff on all imports starting Tuesday, and a lower 10% tariff on Canadian oil and gas, Canadian officials said, as Mexico also braced Saturday for punitive duties from President Trump.
USMCA, TTs and TWS
Trump’s 25 percent tariff notification was in direct violation of USMCA.
Spare me the sap on Fentanyl or whatever TDS Type II rationale you want to use.
TTs (Trump Tantrums) are no excuse to break treaties. I invented the TTs acronym while writing this post.
Today, I came across a new acronym (author unknown) that I also endorse – Trump Worship Syndrome (TWS). It is the same as the TDS Type II acronym that invented.
Trump Backs Down
On February 3, I wrote Mexico Tariffs on Hold After Border Agreement on Fentanyl and Guns
My subtitle was “Who backed down? Trump or Mexico? It’s really both. And it’s an illusion Trump gained anything.”
I originally had a title of Trump blinks, but decided what really happened is common sense prevailed.
The Wall Street Journal concluded what I did. My words were “It’s an illusion Trump gained anything.”
“Trump Blinks on North American Tariffs” Agree or Disagree?
Also on February 3, I asked “Trump Blinks on North American Tariffs” Agree or Disagree?
The correct answer is yes, temporarily.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is 100 percent spot on in her assessment “We had a trade agreement and that was the best tool to continue competing against China.”
She made her point, but did so in a way that allowed Trump (and her) to save face.
Major Trade War Escalation
On February, 7 I reported Trump Announces Reciprocal Tariffs Next Week, a Major Trade War Escalation
Today we learned Trump to Impose 25 Percent Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum, Expect Higher Prices
All US consumers of steel and aluminum will pay higher prices, especially the automakers.
The most important point is those tariffs break USMCA.
Trump no more cares about legalities and treaties than Biden or Obama. Hypocrites cheer.
But Trump is on the right side of the law today, ending climate pledges. I cheer this, not that.
Meanwhile, I find it amusing that I am frequently accused of TDS by those that have TWS. Very few people are willing to look at the economic and legal cases of what either party does.