Former Secretary of State and current U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry has found himself at the center of a heated debate regarding his travel practices and their implications for his climate advocacy. During a recent House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Republican representatives questioned Kerry's past use of private jets, sparking a strong rebuttal from the climate envoy.
Representative Cory Mills of Florida pressed Kerry on his private jet usage, citing it as hypocritical given Kerry's prominent role in advocating for climate action. Mills argued that Kerry's family's substantial carbon footprint from private jet travel clashes with the administration's push for carbon neutrality and adoption of electric vehicles by average Americans.
Kerry vehemently denied owning a private jet, past or present, labeling the accusations a "persistent lie." He stated that discussions of his using a private jet for travel to the State Department were "stupid." Flight records obtained by Fox News Digital, however, revealed that a jet owned by Flying Squirrel LLC, a company owned by Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz-Kerry, made numerous trips during the first 18 months of the Biden administration, emitting a considerable amount of carbon.
Following the report and subsequent criticism, the jet was sold to a New York City hedge fund. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the sale, emphasizing that Kerry now travels commercially. Despite this, Republican lawmakers continued to question Kerry's actions. Representative Brian Mast of Florida highlighted the perceived disconnect between Kerry's lifestyle and the concerns of average Americans who are more preoccupied with the cost of gasoline than private jet travel.
Representative Mike Waltz of Florida echoed this sentiment, arguing that such perceived hypocrisy undermines Kerry's climate message and the sacrifices being asked of the American public. Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona also joined the chorus of criticism. A State Department spokesperson reiterated Kerry's denial of private jet ownership and highlighted his involvement in initiatives promoting sustainable aviation fuels.
