Steven Mnuchin tells Greta Thunberg to go study economics
After climate change activist Greta Thunberg finishes seeing a "good old fashioned movie with a friend," she should go study economics, according to the Trump administration.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin took a swipe at the Swedish climate change activist during a press conference Thursday after he was asked about her advocacy for an immediate end to investments in fossil fuels, The Associated Press reports. When asked how this would affect the U.S. economy, Mnuchin sarcastically asked of Thunberg, "Is she the chief economist? Who is she? I'm confused."
Mnuchin clarified this was a "joke" before telling reporters that "after she goes and studies economics in college, she can come back and explain that to us."
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Mnuchin spoke at the World Economic Forum, which Thunberg attended; in an address, she called for fossil fuel divestment, saying, "our house is still on fire." President Trump on Wednesday said he didn't see Thunberg speak but complained she "beat me out" for Time person of the year.
Trump previously mocked Time's decision to select Thunberg as its person of the year as "so ridiculous," telling her to "work on her anger management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend!" Thunberg in an interview last month responded to various personal attacks she's received from world leaders, saying they're "just funny."
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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
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