President Trump refused to participate in a pledge with his Group of 7 (G7) counterparts supporting the 195-nation Paris climate deal Saturday, making the U.S. the only country to hold out on the pledge.
Trump’s decision to stand apart from his G7 counterparts comes after her tweeted he would be making a final decision on the Paris climate deal next week.
Trump’s refusal to make a final decision has disrupted unity within the G7.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters about an “intense” exchange where all six other nations “made it clear that we want the U.S. to stick to its commitments.”
However, White House officials said Friday the president’s views of climate change are “evolving” after listening to other world leaders’ opinions on the issue.
“I think his views are evolving,” Trump’s National Economic Counselor Gary Cohn said. “He came here to learn, he came here to get smarter and he came here to hear people’s views.”
The president has promised to support the American coal industry, as well as the oil and natural gas sectors, putting him at odds with the Paris climate agreement.
“His basis for decision ultimately is going to be what’s best for the United States,” Cohn said.