Trump's Fury Over UK-California Clean Energy Partnership
In a scathing attack, former US President Donald Trump has condemned a new clean energy agreement between California Governor Gavin Newsom and the UK's Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, signed in London on Monday. Trump, in an interview with Politico, derided Newsom as a "loser" and criticized the deal as "inappropriate," using a derogatory nickname for the governor and asserting that California has "gone to hell" under his leadership.
Details of the Memorandum of Understanding
The memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen cooperation between the UK and California, focusing on scaling up clean energy technologies and enhancing ties between businesses and researchers. California, effectively the world's fourth-largest economy, will collaborate with the UK on protecting biodiversity and building resilience against extreme weather events. Miliband emphasized that this partnership creates significant opportunities for UK businesses and secures investment, following up on a previous meeting in New York last September.
Political Tensions and Broader Implications
Newsom, a prominent Democratic figure and potential future presidential candidate, has been a vocal critic of Trump on issues like climate change and immigration. During his European visit, which included the Munich security conference, Newsom stated, "Donald Trump's administration is temporary. California's commitment is not." He also met with European leaders such as Spain's Pedro Sánchez and Germany's Friedrich Merz, who have opposed Trump's policies. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage commented on Miliband's political future, suggesting he could lead the Labour Party if Keir Starmer steps down after upcoming local elections.
The agreement also covered discussions on AI implications for energy and lessons from California's wildfires, a point of contention between Trump and Newsom. A source close to Miliband described the meeting as productive, highlighting clean energy job and investment prospects. This deal underscores growing international alliances on environmental issues, despite Trump's objections, and reflects ongoing political divisions in both the US and UK.
