Opinion | Welcome to the Voyage of the Damned

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by Maureen Dowd

February 14, 2026

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The article discusses President Trump's administration dismissing scientific advice on climate change by eliminating regulations on fossil fuels, using the term "panican" to downplay concerns about environmental hazards. This approach not only undermines efforts to address global warming but also erodes public trust in leadership. The administration's focus on economic indicators like the rising Dow index distracts from critical issues such as violence and exploitation, exemplified by cases involving Jeffrey Epstein and Pam Bondi. Moreover, Trump's policies favor powerful corporations, including Silicon Valley leaders who influence his decisions. This has led to a lack of safeguards for emerging technologies like AI, raising ethical concerns. Additionally, the administration's threats to unilaterally set election rules challenge democratic processes, further alienating the public. The article underscores the broader implications of ignoring scientific consensus and prioritizing corporate interests over societal well-being. This matters as climate change poses existential risks, requiring

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026