Ep. 330 The Crossroads of Sustainability Investments Under Trump 2.0

According to Bloomberg, in recent years, former President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, labeling it as «woke» and a threat to American financial interests. In 2023, Trump pledged to issue an executive order banning ESG investments if he were to return to the presidency, arguing that these initiatives divert retirement funds to radical left agendas. His administration’s policies in 2025, including executive orders that favor fossil fuels and block state-level climate laws, have created a challenging environment for sustainable investments, prompting a 34% drop in pro-ESG shareholder proposals as investors navigate regulatory uncertainty.

Despite Trump’s anti-ESG campaign, analysts argue that sustainable investing remains resilient. A 2024 Morgan Stanley survey found that 84% of U.S. individual investors are interested in sustainable investing, with demand persisting despite political headwinds. Experts suggest that focusing on bipartisan sustainability issues, like child safety, and refining ESG approaches to prioritize financial returns can help investors mitigate risks while supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

In this episode, we explore the landscape of Sustainable Investments under the new Trump administration with Urban Larson, Sustainable Investment Advisor.

We discussed potential policy shifts, their impact on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, and strategies for navigating these changes. Learn how investors can navigate the evolving political landscape while upholding their commitment to sustainability.

Contact Urban Larson on LinkedIn