UN Global Carbon Tax Proposal Shot Down by Trump Administration

The Trump administration is taking a hard line against a United Nations plan to impose a global carbon tax on the shipping industry, warning that the U.S. will retaliate against countries that back the measure.

In a joint statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick condemned the UN International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) “Net-Zero Framework,” calling it an unaccountable global tax scheme that would drive up costs for American consumers and businesses.

“Whatever its stated goals, the proposed framework is effectively a global carbon tax on Americans levied by an unaccountable UN organization,” the statement reads. “Ships will have to pay fees for failing to meet unattainable fuel standards and emissions targets. These fees will drive up energy, transportation, and leisure cruise costs.”

The framework, approved by an IMO committee in April, would apply punitive fees on ships exceeding new emissions thresholds while rewarding vessels that meet them. A final vote is set for October, with implementation planned for 2027.

The Trump administration’s statement made clear the U.S. will not comply and expects other IMO members to oppose the measure warning that “we will not hesitate to retaliate or explore remedies for our citizens should this endeavor fail.”

Commerce Secretary Lutnick blasted the plan as an assault on U.S. sovereignty. “America is setting the terms on how our products are going to market,” he said. “International bureaucrats can take their [woke] climate nonsense elsewhere.”

The rejection fits into Trump’s broader “unleash American energy” agenda, aimed at eliminating foreign influence over U.S. energy policy and slashing domestic regulations. On his first day back in office, Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Accords, arguing the move would save the country more than a trillion dollars. The administration has also directed the Environmental Protection Agency to dismantle Obama-era climate rules a rollback that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says would remove an estimated $1 trillion in hidden taxes on American businesses and families.

The IMO proposal marks the latest clash between Trump’s America First energy policy and the UN’s push for binding climate commitments a fight the White House shows no signs of backing down from.

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