Donald Trump's recent engagement with top oil executives at Mar-a-Lago showcases a bid for campaign funding in exchange for regulatory rollbacks.
Josh Dawsey and Maxine Joselow report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Trump promised oil industry leaders substantial regulatory rollbacks in exchange for significant campaign contributions.
- This fundraising strategy highlights a direct linkage between financial support and policy promises aimed at benefiting the oil industry.
- The former president's agenda starkly contrasts with existing environmental policies, suggesting major policy reversals if re-elected.
Key quote:
"You all are wealthy enough, you should raise $1 billion to return me to the White House."
— Donald Trump, former U.S. president
Why this matters:
If he's elected in November, Trump's promises to the oil industry could result in the reversal of key U.S. environmental and health policies enacted during the Biden administration, potentially eroding gains in emissions reductions, clean energy advancements and environmental justice.
Flashback to 2020: Trump's first term resulted in significant environmental rollbacks. Here are a few of them.
