Climate activists disrupted former President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Indianola, Iowa yesterday. Protesters shouted “Trump, climate criminal” and a young woman held a banner with the same words. Trump supporters present in the hall responded with chants of “USA, USA” as security guards led the activists away.
As the climate activists were led away, Trump told one activist that she was “young and immature.” “They’re fighting oil,” Trump said. “They’re basically saying, ‘We’re going to shut down our country.’” Trump has long cast doubt on the scientific consensus on the role of humans in climate change. One of his first official acts as president was the US withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. If he is re-elected, he wants to boost fossil fuel production.
Trump is the favorite among Republicans
The Republican presidential primaries begin tomorrow in Iowa. According to polls, Trump is the clear favorite for the nomination to challenge incumbent Joe Biden in the November elections. His strongest rivals within the party are former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Just before the primary, Iowa was hit by a violent winter storm with snow, strong winds and sub-zero temperatures. Republican presidential candidates had to cancel a series of appearances because of this. Temperatures that feel below minus 30 degrees are forecast for Monday.