In an interview with Joe Rogan just weeks before Election Day, former President Donald Trump discussed his strong opposition to offshore wind energy and identified what he called "an enemy from within" among U.S. progressives. The conversation covered a range of topics, including environmental policy and critiques of the current administration.

Trump’s Environmental Stance: Wind Farms and Whale Deaths
Throughout the interview, Trump criticized environmental regulations that he claims hurt the U.S. economy, asserting that a "cottage industry of environmentalists and lawyers" profits from opposing initiatives like fracking. He noted, "Clean air and water are important, but U.S. economic vitality is suffering," when Rogan asked about finding a balance between environmental concerns and economic development. Both men expressed their disdain for wind energy, with Rogan describing wind farms as "pollution" and emphasizing their harmful effects on marine species, particularly whales. Trump stated, "Windmills kill the birds," claiming that wind turbines are bad for the environment. He pointed out that 18 whale deaths had been reported along the East Coast since December 2022.

Trump cited research, including one from the University of Maryland, indicating that low-frequency sounds from pile-driving can disorient whales. “They say that the wind drives ’em crazy,” he alleged, claiming that vibrations from wind turbines could negatively impact marine mammals' health. He added, “The whales are washing up on shore,” accusing environmentalists of ignoring these detrimental effects.

Trump’s ‘Enemy from Within’ Rhetoric
Trump's rhetoric faced backlash from high-profile figures, including Jon Stewart and Kamala Harris, particularly regarding his assertion that Democrats and certain officials are an "enemy from within." During the podcast, he reaffirmed this stance, arguing that some domestic figures are sabotaging American interests. He remarked, “We had no problem with [North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un],” but blamed domestic "bad actors" for the country’s struggles. He cited the U.S. border crisis, claiming that “13,099 murderers dropped into our country over the last three years,” and referred to undocumented migrants as “rapists, drug dealers, and terrorists.” Trump also expressed concern about gang members, particularly from Tren de Aragua, occupying U.S. cities, warning that this situation could escalate under a Harris administration.

Policy Promises and Future Plans
Promising to safeguard the environment, Trump vowed to prohibit offshore wind farms if elected, emphasizing that he would prioritize economic growth over initiatives he views as threats to national security and environmental integrity.