John Kerry, Joe Biden’s outgoing climate envoy, recently sparked a widespread backlash with his controversial remarks regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. Kerry, who has held the position since its inception in 2021, suggested during his final press briefing that the global community might “feel better” about Russia’s aggressive actions if the country committed to reducing its carbon emissions.
“Russia is one of the largest emitters in the world. If Russia wanted to show good faith, they could go out and announce what their reductions will be and make a greater effort to reduce emissions,” Kerry said. His comments came as a shock to many, given the ongoing violence and turmoil caused by Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
JOHN KERRY MOCKED as ‘climate clown’ for suggesting world would ‘feel better’ about Ukraine war if Russia cut emissions… SERIOUSLY??Is Kerry not the biggest, clown, hypocrite and fraud ever? Shameful how a guy like this can have any say at all over our lives. Pathetic!!
— Michael Franzese (@MichaelFranzese) March 7, 2024
This comes as Kerry will soon step down to be replaced by longtime Democrat Party political operative John Podesta.
Former Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Kerry’s logic as “sick, dangerous, and totally immoral,” suggesting that the Biden administration is sacrificing European lives on the altar of climate extremism.
At this point, the Biden admin is like a continuous SNL skit. https://t.co/WyvmxkfqpI
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 6, 2024
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) mocked Kerry, comparing his bumbling public statements to a continuous “SNL skit.” Others on social media branded Kerry a “climate clown” for his out-of-touch remarks.
Kerry’s statements have been deemed particularly jarring amid reports of serious human casualties and territorial losses in Ukraine. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighted the grave sacrifices made by his nation, contrasting sharply with Kerry’s emissions-focused commentary. Critics argue that Kerry’s approach underscores a worrying disconnection from the immediate and human aspects of the conflict.
Moreover, Kerry’s climate advocacy has faced accusations of hypocrisy. The climate czar has been scrutinized for his travel habits, specifically his use of a private jet, which has reportedly emitted over 300 metric tons of carbon dioxide. This is markedly higher than emissions from typical passenger planes, raising questions about the sincerity and effectiveness of his environmental activism.
The backlash against Kerry also taps into broader discontent with the Biden administration’s handling of international relations and climate policy. The administration’s priorities are on obscure and costly long-term climate goals and supporting foreign governments at the expense of addressing America’s domestic needs and internal safety.
Moreover, Kerry’s remarks come as the federal government has sent at least $113 billion in borrowed taxpayer money to support the Ukrainian government and military since February 2022.
