June 12, 2025 —President Donald Trump turned a routine White House bill signing into a broadside against green technology on Thursday, mocking wind turbines, electric boats, and hydrogen-powered vehicles during a highly publicized East Room ceremony.The event marked Trump’s formal signing of legislation that blocks California’s attempt to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, a rule the former president called “crazy” and “a disaster for this country.” But it was Trump’s off-script commentary that drew the most attention.“Cars are great if you buy the right ones… probably not hydrogen,” Trump said to laughter from the audience. “Because hydrogen has a tendency that when it blows up, you gonzo, it’s over. If they find you 75 yards down the road—‘Where is he?’—‘Well, I think that’s him.’”Trump also took aim at wind turbines, calling them “one of the greatest scams” and vowing to halt new windmill construction except in emergencies. He raised similarly exaggerated concerns about electric boats, questioning whether their batteries might cause electrocution in case of an accident, or leave boaters vulnerable to shark attacks.The president framed his remarks as a defense of consumer choice and personal freedom. “We want to let people choose what kind of car they want to drive,” Trump said. “Not force them into these unsafe or unproven technologies.”Legal and Political ImpactThursday’s bill overturns California’s clean air waiver that allowed the state to set stricter emissions rules than the federal government. Trump and Republican allies argue that the waiver created a patchwork of regulations harmful to industry and consumer freedom.California Governor Gavin Newsom called the measure “illegal and irrational” and vowed to challenge it in court.Meanwhile, environmental groups criticized Trump’s commentary on hydrogen and electric technologies as dangerous disinformation.“Modern hydrogen vehicles are extremely safe and meet strict international standards,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Energy. “It is reckless for public leaders to spread fear about these solutions.”Industry ReactionAutomakers and oil industry representatives welcomed the bill. “A single national standard is crucial for efficiency and innovation,” said a spokesperson for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.However, industry leaders were more muted about Trump’s broader energy remarks. “We support consumer choice, but we also believe in investing in a range of technologies,” said one auto executive on background.A Preview of 2025 Campaign ThemesTrump’s unscripted attacks on green energy reflect a larger campaign strategy as he seeks re-election in 2025. By painting renewable technologies as risky or elitist, Trump is appealing to voters skeptical of government mandates and the climate agenda.Whether those messages will resonate beyond his base — or withstand legal challenges from states like California — remains to be seen.
