Ramaswamy inserts ‘hoax’ climate talk at debate

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The Big Story

The outsider Republican presidential candidate dismissed climate as an issue during the party’s first debate this week.

GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy leaned into dismissal of the impacts of climate change at the first Republican debate, calling the “climate change agenda” a “hoax.”

Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur who has quickly risen in polls of the crowded Republican field, used similar language at the Iowa State Fair earlier this month. He reiterated the line during the prime-time clash Wednesday, where multiple rivals targeted him on various topics.

The 38-year-old businessman dismissed climate as an issue in response to a viewer question about its salience with younger voters. He went on to call his fellow candidates “bought and paid for” — drawing boos from the crowd.

Former President Trump, the frontrunner for the party’s nomination, was not present at the debate, but is the only other candidate who has minimized or outright denied climate change to such an extent, falsely claiming it is a “hoax.”

Ramaswamy has openly praised Trump — he called him the “best president of the 21st century” on Wednesday night — and said he’d support him as the GOP nominee even if he’s convicted on criminal charges.

Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, I’m Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.

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The Big Story Ramaswamy leans into ‘hoax’ climate talk at debateVivek Ramaswamytargeted himdismissed climatePresident Trumpminimized or outright denied Energy & Environment Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.Essential Reads Plant-based straws touted as eco-friendly may contain toxic ‘forever chemicals’Canadian wildfire smoke led to spike in asthma ER visits in Northeast US: CDCAsian Americans have greater exposure to toxic ‘forever chemicals’ than other groups: studyIn Other News A leading corporate strategy for battling climate change is ‘hot air,’ study findsWhat We’re Reading What Others are Reading Mask mandates reemerge amid upturn in COVID-19 casesPutin’s voice in BRICS address raises eyebrowsCheck out The Hill’s Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage.