Donald Trump has once again voiced his strong disapproval of the United Kingdom’s approach to North Sea oil and gas, asserting that the country should "drill, baby, drill" rather than rely on renewable energy sources like wind turbines. The former US president stated that windmills ultimately "put you out of business."
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump has criticised the UK’s North Sea energy policy.
- He advocates for increased oil and gas extraction from the North Sea.
- Trump believes wind turbines are detrimental to business.
- He also commented on European allies’ involvement in international security.
Trump’s Stance on North Sea Oil
Speaking to reporters, Mr Trump revealed he has been advising Sir Keir Starmer to boost oil extraction from the North Sea, describing it as "one of the greatest in the world." He argued that the UK should utilise its own resources instead of purchasing energy from other nations. "They’re doing windmills and windmills, windmills do one thing, you know what they do? Put you out of business," he declared.
This is not the first time the former president has expressed his disdain for wind turbines. He has a well-documented history of opposing wind energy projects, including a past dispute with the Scottish Government over a development visible from his golf course in Aberdeenshire.
Earlier in the week, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to lament the UK’s refusal to open up North Sea oil fields, calling it "Tragic!!!" and urging the country to "drill baby drill."
Comments on International Security
Beyond energy policy, Mr Trump also touched upon international security, suggesting that European allies who have not fully committed to certain US-led initiatives have "got themselves a problem." He referenced the US’s significant investment in NATO and expressed disappointment that some allies were not as supportive in smaller-scale situations, implying they might not be present for larger conflicts. He stated that if he were president, the situation in Ukraine "would have never happened."
