Ramaswamy dismisses US climate agenda as a ‘hoax’ and warns of ‘grave threat’ to liberty from ESG policies.

Republican Presidential Contender Slams Climate-Focused Business Policies

During an appearance at the Iowa State Fair ⁢on Saturday, Republican presidential contender Vivek ⁣Ramaswamy didn’t hold back in his criticism of ‌climate-focused business policies.⁤ In a lively discussion with ⁣Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Ramaswamy labeled the United States’s climate agenda a “hoax” and ‍took aim at environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) ‍policies.

A Grave Threat to Freedom

Ramaswamy, a conservative businessman and entrepreneur, argued that ESG policies pose a “grave threat”​ to‌ freedom. He accused corporations of using people’s money to push social and environmental agendas⁣ without their knowledge or consent.‍ “Using your retirement funds and your investment accounts to vote for racial equity audits or Scope 3 emissions caps that you ​didn’t know they were using your money to do, and that Congress would‍ have never passed through the front⁣ door,” Ramaswamy exclaimed.

He went on to emphasize the​ importance of ‍open debate, suggesting that if corporations want to implement ESG policies, they should do so transparently in the ‌public square.

Conservative Criticisms and Democratic Dismissals

ESG policies have faced criticism from conservatives who view them as an overreach by corporations meddling ‍in politics. These policies encourage businesses to‌ prioritize climate-centered ⁣investments, reduce carbon emissions, ‌and address social issues like ‌diversity in hiring. Democrats, however, have dismissed⁤ these criticisms as⁢ a “waste of time.”

Ramaswamy’s Rising Support

Ramaswamy’s‍ bold statements come as other ⁤major Republican presidential hopefuls gather at the Iowa State Fair to showcase their political ideas ahead of the first⁣ Republican debate ‍later this month. Notably, Ramaswamy has gained significant support ⁣for ‍his campaign, surpassing former Vice President Mike Pence to claim third place.

On​ August 23, Ramaswamy will participate in⁣ the debate ‌alongside Gov.⁤ Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), Sen. ⁣Tim ‍Scott (R-SC), and former ⁣Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC). Former President Donald Trump, ​Pence, and former⁤ Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) have also qualified for the ⁣debate⁢ but​ have ​yet to sign the required loyalty pledge. Pence has ‌expressed his intention to sign the pledge.

The debate ⁢will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting at 9 p.m. Eastern.

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