Democrats Pledge Climate Action at COP31 Despite Trump’s Absence

Democratic lawmakers from the United States have pledged to sustain the country’s commitment to tackling climate change during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, despite President Donald Trump’s decision to keep an official federal delegation away from the summit.

An 18-member delegation of Democratic lawmakers arrived at the conference on Saturday, November 14, 2026, following their party’s victory in the recent US midterm elections, which saw Democrats regain control of both chambers of Congress.

The lawmakers said their participation was intended to reassure international partners that support for climate action remained strong in the United States, despite the Trump administration’s withdrawal from key international climate commitments and its reversal of several clean-energy policies.

Florida Representative Kathy Castor acknowledged that the US had lost some confidence among its international partners because of its changing climate policies.

She said the delegation hoped to rebuild trust and encourage a return to stronger climate action.

“Many of our allies and partners across the world think the United States has not been predictable or dependable. So we have a lot of trust to earn back,” Castor told AFP.

Arizona Representative Yassamin Ansari also criticised the administration’s position, accusing it of weakening efforts to address global warming and supporting fossil fuel interests.

California Congressman Raul Ruiz said climate initiatives were continuing across American states and local governments despite federal policy changes.

“Despite the setbacks that we’re experiencing through this Trump administration, climate action is alive in America,” Ruiz said.

The delegation’s participation comes as the Trump administration continues to promote fossil fuel production, reverse clean-energy incentives and maintain the country’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

The United States has no official federal government delegation at COP31, marking the second consecutive year the country has been absent from the UN climate negotiations under Trump’s leadership.

However, the Democratic lawmakers have pledged to use their incoming congressional majorities to scrutinise the administration’s environmental policies and pursue legislation supporting clean energy.

Their efforts could face limitations because Trump remains President and retains the constitutional power to veto legislation passed by Congress.

COP31, which runs from November 9 to 20, has brought together representatives from nearly 200 countries to discuss climate finance, emissions reduction, adaptation and the transition away from fossil fuels.