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Topics: Donald Trump, Climate Change, Environment, Politics, News, US News, Social Media, Twitter
Madison Burgess
Topics: Donald Trump, Climate Change, Environment, Politics, News, US News, Social Media, Twitter
Donald Trump has bagged yet another trophy that's only just been invented - and it's causing controversy.
It was only a few months ago that the US president, 79, became the first-ever recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize, which came as a surprise to almost no one.
The prize was designated for a person who has 'taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace', and it was widely speculated that the award was created with Trump in mind, especially as it came just after the Republican leader was overlooked by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee in October.
And now, along with a shiny new trophy, Trump has been named 'Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal' - yes, that's the real name.
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On Wednesday (11 February), the world leader signed an executive order directing the Department of War to buy electricity from coal-fired power plants, 'ensuring that we have more reliable power and stronger and more resilient grid power,' as part of his push to revive the industry.
However, the move has proved controversial as certain states and environmental groups are pursuing lawsuits, as reported by the Financial Times.
Critics argue that it will simply cause more pollution, worsen the climate crisis and result in higher energy costs.
Considered one of the most environmentally damaging ways to produce energy, coal-fired power plants are linked to both neurological and developmental damage in humans and other animals, as per the US Energy Information Administration.
At a White House event on Wednesday, Trump said: "Clean beautiful coal. We love clean beautiful coal, don't we?”
He explained: "I'm thrilled to welcome to the White House the men and women who light our cities, and you know, you do things that people don't even understand, so much, you do so much. You heat our homes, fuel our factories and turn natural resources into American riches and dreams. Our amazing coal miners."
The US president went on to outline how he 'ended the war on coal' and raised production by four million tons a month.
Trump was then given a trophy by the Washington Coal Club lobby group, which included a bronze statue of a coal miner on top and was engraved with 'Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal'.
Shocked, social media users wrote: "Now this HAS to be a joke. Right?" and "Proudly destroying the atmosphere."
While a third argued: "Clean coal isn't a thing. It's like silent noise", and a fourth agreed: "The coal miners are trolling Trump, right? There's no such thing as clean coal. They're either trolling him or themselves. Either way, it's hilarious."
White House Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said: "Beautiful, clean coal is critical to ensuring American families and businesses have the energy they need, while simultaneously driving down electricity costs across the country. President Trump’s commonsense approach is unleashing America’s most reliable and affordable energy source, saving thousands of good-paying jobs, and turning the page on Joe Biden’s energy crisis."