In a recent speech at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Vice President Kamala Harris sparked controversy with her remarks on population reduction as a means to ensure clean air and water for future generations. The statement drew swift reactions from prominent figures such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), igniting a heated debate on social media.
Harris, while discussing the allocation of $20 billion towards green energy projects, stated, “When we invest in clean energy and electric vehicles and reduce population, more of our children can breathe clean air and drink clean water.” These words triggered a strong response from Musk, who emphasized the need to increase population rather than decrease it, citing concerns about declining birth rates.
VP HARRIS: “When we invest in clean energy and electric vehicles and reduce population, more of our children can breath clean air and drink clean water.” pic.twitter.com/yhZzDmkeAM
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 14, 2023
Critics were quick to condemn Harris’ remarks, with Rep. Massie questioning if he himself was the population she sought to reduce, and Blaze commentator Steve Deace comparing her comments to the outdated theories of Thomas Malthus. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) raised the question of whether Harris was alluding to abortion or assisted suicide as means of reducing the population to improve public health.
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) accused Harris and other climate alarmists of advocating for an anti-human ideology by openly expressing their desire to reduce population. Political commentator Stephen Miller drew attention to the long-standing goal of climate alarmists to decrease population, referencing John Holdren’s book “Ecoscience” and his role as climate czar under the Obama administration.
“Reducing population has always been a goal of climate alarmists. It was the premise of John Holdren’s book Ecoscience, and Obama made him climate czar,” political commentator Stephen Miller said.
In response to the backlash, the White House transcript of Harris’ speech was edited, replacing the word “population” with “pollution.” The amendment aimed to clarify Harris’ intended message, emphasizing the importance of tackling environmental pollution rather than suggesting a reduction in the number of people.
After Harris’ comments began to go viral, the White House edited the transcript of the speech — crossing out the word “population” and replacing it with the word “pollution.” This edit didn’t stop social media from roasting Harris — with many claiming that this slip-up was just
— AnnieBElder (@Annie201Oakley) July 17, 2023
During her address, Harris also stressed the urgency of addressing climate issues, stating, “It is clear that the clock is not only ticking, it is banging, and we must act.” Approximately $14 billion of the designated funds will be directed towards numerous clean energy technology projects, while the remaining $6 billion will focus on green energy initiatives in low-income neighborhoods, as reported by the Baltimore Banner.
