Former President Obama slammed President Trump Thursday for withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord.
“The nations that remain in the Paris agreement will be the nations that reap the benefits in jobs and industries created,” Obama said. “I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack."
“Even in the absence of American leadership; even as this administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got,” Obama said.
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the accord further dismantles Obama’s legacy, as it was considered one of his signature achievements regarding climate change.
“I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris,” Trump said Thursday. “I promised I would exit or renegotiate any deal which fails to serve US interests.”
The president said the administration “will begin negotiations to re-enter either the Paris Accord, or an entirely new agreement.”