Given the flood of measures adopted in the first months of its second term as president of the United States, which began on last January 20, it is not surprising that among these there are and one with which Donald Trump rejects the "Net-Zero" program Framework" for the decarbonisation of maritime transport which was approved last April by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ( of the 11th April 2025). It is surprising, however, that the rejection arrived only yesterday and did not arrive earlier since in the last few years Trump has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the existence of a climate emergency.

In a statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce Energy Minister Chris Wright and the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, recalling that "this October, the members of the International Maritime Organization are ready to evaluate the adoption of a so-called "Net-Zero Framework" aimed at reducing the Global greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector international competition", it was announced that "the President Trump has made it clear that the United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that improperly affects or unfairly on the United States or harms the interests of the people American".

In no uncertain terms, the document denounces that, "any stated objectives, the proposed framework is to made a global carbon tax that affects Americans and is imposed by an irresponsible United Nations organization." "These fuel standards - according to the administration Trump - would mostly benefit China, imposing the use of of expensive fuels that are not available on a global scale. These standards would also preclude the use of proven technologies that power global shipping fleets, including high-speed low emissions in which the US industry is a leader, such as liquefied natural gas and biofuels. In this context, ships will have to pay fees for non-compliance with fuel standards and emission targets unattainable. These taxes will increase the costs of energy, transport and of cruises. Even small boats would incur taxes for millions of dollars, with a consequent direct increase in costs for American consumers".

One might wonder why Trump didn't concerned about direct increase in costs for consumers when it unilaterally imposed additional tariffs at the global whose effect will be precisely to tax the importers and American consumers. Apparently, you don't go so much for the subtle when it comes to justifying the most controversial measures under the banner of Make America Great Again.

Thus, the statement states that "the administration Trump certainly rejects this proposal at the IMO and does not will tolerate any action that increases the costs for our citizens, energy suppliers, shipping companies and customers, or tourists. We will fight hard to protect the American people and their economic interests."

As is now customary, Trump or those on his behalf conclude with a threat: "Our fellow members of the IMO - it is announced - must be aware that we will seek their support against this action and we will not hesitate to react or evaluate solutions for our citizens if this attempt fails".