Trump Mocks Climate Change Ahead of Historic Snowstorm

TIME magazine criticizes Trump for poking fun at climate change as Northeast braces for major winter storm.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:15am

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Before a recent record winter storm, former President Donald Trump mocked global warming on social media, prompting a critical response from TIME magazine reporter Chantelle Lee. Lee argued that Trump was falsely implying the snowstorm contradicted evidence of climate change, but experts say there is still scientific debate on the link between climate change and extreme winter weather.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events, as well as the political polarization surrounding the issue. It also reflects the media's tendency to attribute all weather events to climate change, even when the science is not settled.

The details

In a post on Truth Social, Trump questioned 'Whatever happened to global warming?' as the Northeast prepared for a major winter storm. TIME reporter Chantelle Lee criticized Trump, arguing that brutal winter conditions do not mean climate change is not happening. Lee cited an Indiana University professor who described himself as a 'proud environmental insurrectionist,' but the professor acknowledged there is still scientific debate on whether climate change is making winter storms more intense.

  • On January 23, 2026, Chantelle Lee published her article criticizing Trump's climate change comments.
  • On January 27, 2026, Trump posted on Truth Social mocking global warming concerns ahead of the winter storm.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who mocked global warming concerns on social media before a major winter storm.

Chantelle Lee

TIME magazine reporter who criticized Trump's comments and argued that brutal winter conditions do not disprove climate change.

Christopher Callahan

Indiana University Bloomington professor who described himself as a 'proud environmental insurrectionist' and acknowledged the scientific debate on the link between climate change and extreme winter weather.

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What they’re saying

“As a proud 'environmental insurrectionist,' it's frustrating to have to explain this every winter.”

— Christopher Callahan, Professor, Indiana University Bloomington (TIME)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events, as well as the political polarization surrounding the issue. It also reflects the media's tendency to attribute all weather events to climate change, even when the scientific consensus is not fully settled.