Stephen Hawking does not feel welcome in Donald Trump's America. The renowned physicist made this unhappy claim in a recent interview, and he expressed particular concern about how the Trump administration is treating the issue of climate change.
Hawking discussed U.S. politics during an interview withITV's "Good Morning Britain" on Monday (March 20). Hawking, who once called Trump a "demagogue," said the new U.S. president was elected by "people who felt disenfranchised by the governing elite in a revolt against globalization." The Trump administration's policies pertaining to climate change, and science in general, are an attempt to satisfy that electorate, Hawking told interviewer Piers Morgan.
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Only about two months into his presidency, Trump has already signaled that science will not be a priority for his administration. Trump'sproposed 2018 budget called for major funding cuts across the science-focused government agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already seen major changes since Trump's election, and could see its budget shrink by 31 percent under the proposed budget. [The Reality of Climate Change: 10 MythsBusted]
In fact, it was the EPA that Hawking specifically noted when discussing the Trump administration. Hawking disagreed with the appointment of Scott Pruitt to head the environmental agency. Pruitt, who called to abolishthe EPA before his appointment, recently said he does not believe that carbondioxide is a main driver of climate change.
"[Trump] should replace Scott Pruitt," Hawking said when asked if he had a message for the U.S. president. "Climate change is one of the great dangers we face — and it's one we can prevent. It affects America badly, so tackling it should win votes for his second term. God forbid."
Hawking also said Trump's sanctioning of two oil pipelinescontinues the country's reliance on fossil fuels.
However, Hawking did note there are signs of hope in the world — for instance, the rise of women in powerful political positions. Also, despite policies that would deeply cut funding for many U.S. programs, science advancement continues to impress Hawking. The scientist specifically shared his excitement over the search for Earth-like planets.