Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger let off some steam Thursday and said President Trump is “out of his mind” if his administration thinks it will rescind Obama-era emissions regulations in his home state, where one-third of the nation’s cars are manufactured.
The former actor and bodybuilder said Trump’s decision to suspend a rule that had required carmakers to manufacture cars with high fuel efficiency was a “stupid, fake-conservative policy announcement that no one asked for.”
“I am sick and tired of these fake conservatives who believe in states’ rights to make their own policies – as long as state policy is to pollute more,” the Republican tweeted.
“If the President thinks he can win this fight, he’s out of his mind,” he added. “I hope some conservatives with a conscience will act in Washington to defend California’s waiver based on these historic Republican values. But if not, I’d remind them that California has won this battle before. We will win again.”
For nearly five decades, the Golden State has operated under different emissions standards than others because of its worse-than-average air quality.
The Trump administration announced Thursday it wants to create a “50-state fuel economy and tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions standard for passenger cars and light trucks.” The administration said it will lower car costs, but California officials said they would fight the proposal.
Schwarzenegger has previously criticized Trump for his pro-coal views and zero tolerance immigration policy. He supported Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, during the 2016 presidential election and has urged the Ohioan to make a run again in 2020.
My statement on today’s stupid, fake-conservative policy announcement that no one asked for. pic.twitter.com/ojAhWTFpDM
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 2, 2018
