Trump tells G-20 world leaders that Paris climate deal was ‘designed to kill the US economy’

President TrumpDonald John Trump Trump campaign files re-count in Georgia GOP senator praises Biden, says Trump should accept results FDA grants emergency approval to coronavirus antibody treatment given to Trump MORE lambasted the Paris climate agreement, which the president-elect Joe bidenJoe BidenTrump calls for recount in Georgia GOP Senator congratulates Biden, says Trump should accept results Judge dismisses Camp Trump’s trial in Pennsylvania in scathing decision MORE pledged to join, in a video statement at the G20 summit on Sunday.

“To protect American workers, I withdrew the United States from the unjust and unilateral Paris climate agreement, a very unfair act for the United States,” Trump said at the summit, according to The Associated. Press.

The president went on to say that the deal was “not designed to save the environment. It was designed to kill the American economy. “

Trump noted that the United States has led the reduction in carbon emissions since leaving the deal. However, the AP noted that the United States has made much less progress in reducing its emissions percentage. The United States officially left the agreement on November 4.

During the G20 climate session, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the group to lead on climate issues and fully implement the agreement.

“Not so long ago, I announced China’s initiative to increase its Nationally Determined Contributions and strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, “Xi said, according to the AP. “China will honor its commitment and ensure its implementation.” China is the world leader in global emissions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for international cooperation on the issue, saying a varied, nation-by-nation approach would not be effective.

“[C]limited changes must be tackled not in silos, but in an integrated, holistic and holistic manner, ”Modi said, according to the AP.

Biden reportedly intends to reverse several of Trump’s policies immediately after taking office, including Trump’s withdrawal from the agreements, a travel ban to several Muslim-majority countries, and a ban on trans people serving in the military.

“While waiting for the final results, I want people to know that we are not waiting to get the job done,” Biden said in a speech in Wilmington, Del., Earlier this month, shortly after being projected president-elect.