Trump to Virginians living on disappearing island: “Don’t worry about sea level rise.”

Not far from the nation's capital in the Chesapeake Bay sits a very tangible bit of climate change evidence called Tangier Island. A combination of coastal erosion and sea-level rise has been causing the island to shrink by 16 feet each year, and scientists estimate that its remaining 450 residents may have to abandon their homes within 50 years. After reading a news story about Tangier’s plight, President Trump—who was voted for by about 87 percent of the islanders—called Tangier's mayor to reassure him. According to Mayor James Eskridge, Trump said, “Your island has been there for hundreds of years, and I believe your island will be there for hundreds more.” Businessman Trump should know better—past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns.