September 27, 2016

Did Trump Call Global Warming a Chinese Hoax? (Yes. And Tonight He Lied About It.)

“I do not say that.”

According to Donald Trump, Donald Trump never supported the Iraq war; he never called pregnancy an “inconvenience” for employers; and he certainly never—ever—called climate change a Chinese hoax.

Trump, you’ll be shocked to learn, wasn’t exactly telling the truth. Let’s focus on the climate claim, which you can watch in the video above.

During Monday night’s presidential debate, Hillary Clinton said: “Donald thinks that climate change is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. I think it’s real. I think science is real.”

“I did not, I did not,” countered Trump. “I do not say that.”

Clinton is correct. Here’s what Trump tweeted in 2012:

Trump has since suggested that this comment was a joke—a hilarious one, no doubt. Regardless, Trump has repeatedly called global warming a “hoax.” On Fox News in 2014, for instance:

And on Twitter:

More MotherJones reporting on Climate Desk

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We didn't know what to expect when we told you we needed to raise $400,000 before our fiscal year closed on June 30, and we're thrilled to report that our incredible community of readers contributed some $415,000 to help us keep charging as hard as we can during this crazy year.

You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

The months and years ahead won't be easy. Far from it. But there's no one we'd rather face the big challenges with than you, our committed and passionate readers, and our team of fearless reporters who show up every day.

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