Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Trump Blasted After Claiming Rising Sea Levels Just Mean 'More Beachfront Property'

Screenshot of Donald Trump
Fox News

The ex-President downplayed climate change and rising sea levels during a recent interview on Fox News, and was instantly called out by critics.

Former President Donald Trump was criticized for downplaying climate change and rising sea levels during a recent interview on Fox News wherein he claimed that rising seas just means there will be "more beachfront property."

Speaking on Fox and Friends, Trump—who has a long history of climate denial—dismissed concerns about climate change and made the following blatantly false statement:


"Nuclear weapons are the biggest threat, not global warming. When they say that the seas will rise over the next 400 years, one-eighth of an inch, you know, which means basically have a little more beachfront property, okay?"

He proceeded to mock President Joe Biden, scrunching up his face as he spoke in a weak attempt to mimic the president's cadence:

"Think of it: The seas are going to rise. Who knows? I watched [President Joe] Biden the other night. 'It's the greatest existential threat.'"
"He loves that word because it's a big word and he doesn't even know what the hell the word means. 'It's the greatest existential threat to our country, global warming.'"

The official Biden-Harris campaign account later highlighted Trump's words in a post on X, formerly Twitter, noting that Trump's remark about beachfront property "says he supports climate change and rising sea levels."

You can hear what Trump said in the video below.

Trump is of course wildly incorrect.

Estimates from the National Ocean Service suggest that sea levels along the U.S. coastline are poised to increase by 10 to 12 inches in the next thirty years, mirroring the rise observed over the past century.

This uptick is expected to amplify the severity of storm surges, flooding, and coastal damage, potentially displacing both wildlife and communities, as noted by National Geographic. Studies indicate that as many as 13 million American homes could face repercussions from rising sea levels by the year 2100.

However, currently, the allure of waterfront vistas seems to be outweighing concerns about property values.

Indeed, coastal properties in the United States have experienced more rapid appreciation compared to inland properties. Moreover, these coastal properties are increasingly being acquired by wealthier individuals, according to findings published in March in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

The projection for a substantial increase in sea levels along the American coastline indicates a looming threat for the 40 percent of the population residing in these vulnerable areas, heightening the risk of flooding.

The escalating danger of coastal flooding and erosion has prompted insurance companies to retreat from coastal regions, particularly evident in states like Florida, where several major insurers have exited the market, leading to soaring premiums for consumers.

And who wants to tell him that rising sea levels actually mean less beachfront property, not more, as land increasingly sinks beneath the water?

Trump was swiftly mocked for his inane hot take.


Trump has mocked the science behind climate change many times.

In a tweet issued in January 2017, he claimed the East Coast "could use a little bit of that good old Global Warming" as it contended with record-breaking frigid temperatures.

Trump has often placed himself at odds with the scientific community; a noted climate change denier, he has claimed that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese.

During his presidency, he became the subject of intense backlash after announcing he would withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate.

Trump’s decision to exit from the agreement, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gases and stem the effects of climate change, has drawn international condemnation from world leaders and environmentalists alike who predict it could damage U.S. international standing on environmental concerns.

The Trump administration also came under fire in 2019 following an announcement that it would assemble an ad hoc working group of climate skeptic scientists to reassess the government's analysis of climate science and the effect of fossil fuels on the planet.

More from People/donald-trump

Country Singer Gavin Adcock went on a drunken rant over Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" success.
Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images; Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Country singer rants over Beyoncé album

Country singer Gavin Adcock became the title of his next album, “Own Worst Enemy,” after going on an unhinged rant about the legitimacy of Beyoncé's Grammy-winning and record-breaking Cowboy Carter in the country music genre.

Adcock, whose upcoming album is set for release next month, was filmed during a live performance last weekend, complaining that Beyoncé and her album are not “country music.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Dionne Warwick; Tiny Chef
Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images; @ToonHive/X

Dionne Warwick Is Ready To Go To War With Nickelodeon Over 'Tiny Chef' Cancellation

You know your campaign against a show's cancellation is achieving widespread attention when you get people like venerated singer Dionne Warwick advocating for you.

Nickelodeon's The Tiny Chef Show was recently cancelled, much to the dismay of its viewers and creators. It was also a genuinely surprising decision, since the show has won an Emmy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Woman relaxing in sunhat and sunglasses
Photo by Jordan Bauer on Unsplash

People Explain Which 'Small Luxuries' They Can't Live Without

Many of us have committed to being fairly financially frugal and not overspending on silly, unnecessary things.

That is to say, sometimes, it's fun to splurge on something one time to see what it's like to experience that small luxury.

Keep ReadingShow less
two women in emotional distress seated on couch
Ben White on Unsplash

People Who've Experienced Grief Share The Most Tone-Deaf Things They've Heard

Grief, loss, trauma are all part of life. But for most people, the emotions and reactions that go with them are difficult to witness.

So they rely on platitudes to fill any holes in conversation. That's rarely a good idea.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Demands 'Boss Of AT&T' Fix Equipment After Failed Conference Call In Bizarre Meltdown

When most of us have technical difficulties, we contact tech support or customer service.

But if you're President of the United States, just ranting on social media—then having your White House Press Secretary post a screenshot of your post on a social media platform people actually use—is apparently the answer.

Keep ReadingShow less