A White House official confirmed on Saturday, November 1, 2025, that the United States will not dispatch any high-ranking representatives to the COP30 climate talks scheduled to take place in Brazil later this month. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s focus on promoting fossil fuel industries.
Having already withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement for a second time in January, President Trump was not anticipated to attend the leaders’ summit preceding the main UN climate conference in Belem. However, it has now become clear that even top negotiators will not be sent to participate in the full talks, which are set to run from November 10 to 21.
An anonymous White House official reiterated, ‘The U.S. is not sending any high-level representatives to COP30.’ The official further explained that the President is actively involved in discussions with international leaders on energy matters, a focus evident in recent trade and peace agreements that prioritize energy partnerships.
Meanwhile, Brazil announced on Friday, October 31, that fewer than 60 world leaders have confirmed their attendance at the climate summit, which will be held separately from the main conference between November 6-7 to alleviate logistical challenges. Governments including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Colombia, Chile, Cape Verde, and Liberia have confirmed that their leaders will be present. China’s President Xi Jinping will be represented by Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.
Although President Trump also withdrew from the Paris Agreement during his previous term, his current administration has intensified efforts to globally promote fossil fuels. For instance, the administration has reportedly threatened countries with retaliatory actions should they agree to a carbon pricing system proposed by the UN’s International Maritime Organization, a move that effectively obstructs its adoption.
Climate activists are concerned that the administration might even attempt to withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the foundational treaty for the Paris Agreement. Such a withdrawal could potentially block future U.S. administrations from rejoining the accord, though the executive branch’s legal authority to unilaterally cancel a Senate-ratified treaty remains a point of debate.
Grassroots and Local U.S. Representation Expected
Despite the federal government’s absence, over 100 U.S. state and local leaders, including governors and mayors, are still planning to attend the climate discussions. Gina McCarthy, co-chair of the ‘America Is All In’ coalition, emphasized their strong presence during a Thursday, October 30, call with reporters, stating, ‘We are showing up in force.’
McCarthy previously headed the Environmental Protection Agency during the Obama administration and served as a climate advisor to former President Joe Biden. She noted that this collective group attending the summit represents a significant portion of the U.S. – two-thirds of its population, three-quarters of its GDP, and over 50% of its emissions.
McCarthy affirmed their commitment, stating, ‘We’ll deliver on the promises we made to the American people and our international colleagues.’ She highlighted the autonomy of local leaders to pursue climate action both domestically and internationally. Overall, 170 delegations are accredited for the primary COP30 conference, which is unfolding amidst a period of considerable global political instability, raising concerns that the climate crisis may be sidelined.