Al Gore Warns of Trump’s Clean Energy ‘Jihad’

Former Vice President Al Gore has sparked controversy with a stark warning about President Donald Trump’s approach to the clean energy transition. In a September 17, 2025, interview with Axios, Gore accused Trump of waging a “jihad” against renewable energy, claiming it creates a “distortion field” that could hinder global climate efforts. The provocative term, coupled with Gore’s broader critique, has ignited debate amid a polarized political climate.

Gore’s remarks come alongside a new sustainability report from his firm, Generation Investment Management. The report argues that Trump’s policies—such as dismantling Biden-era clean energy initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and prioritizing fossil fuels—threaten U.S. competitiveness. Gore called this a “tragedy,” especially as China surges ahead in green technology. He warned that Trump’s aggressive stance, described as “loaded for bear” compared to his first term, risks isolating the U.S. in a world increasingly embracing renewables.

The term “jihad” has drawn particular scrutiny, especially following recent political violence, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Outlets like Fox News highlighted the word’s sensitivity, noting Gore’s history of comparing Trump’s actions to Nazi Germany. On X, reactions leaned negative, with users like @thmsm74 mocking Gore and @Patriot9_11 dismissing him as “fake.” However, some posts simply shared the news without commentary, reflecting a muted but polarized response.

Gore remains optimistic about the global transition to clean energy, asserting, “The transition will not stop; we will win.” He pointed to falling renewable energy costs and growth in solar and wind adoption worldwide, as supported by International Energy Agency data. Yet, he cautioned that U.S. “bullying” in trade negotiations—pushing other nations to drop climate goals—could have ripple effects. The Financial Times echoed this, reporting on September 16, 2025, that U.S. pressure is already influencing global climate talks.

The controversy underscores a deeper divide. Trump’s push for oil, gas, and coal aligns with his base’s economic priorities but clashes with global trends. Bloomberg noted on September 17 that China’s lead in clean tech could outpace a U.S. retreat from renewables. Gore’s report emphasizes that while global sustainability efforts are resilient, America’s backtracking could cede economic ground.