Trump declines to participate in Weather Channel 2020 climate change special

President Trump will not appear in a Weather Channel climate change special airing next month that features Democrats and Republicans looking to challenge the president in 2020. 

The Weather Channel announced the one-hour “2020: Race to Save the Planet” special Monday. It will air on Nov. 7. 

In addition to top Democratic candidates, the special will feature all three of Trump’s long-shot Republican challengers. The president, a climate change skeptic, is not in the lineup, although The Weather Channel said it extended an invitation to Trump.

Trump declined to participate, according to The Associated Press. 

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A Trump campaign spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. 

Although Trump won’t be participating, the special won’t ignore him or what his administration has been doing, Rick Knabb, the network’s on-air hurricane expert and former director of the National Hurricane Center, told the AP.

Knabb conducted the candidate interviews along with meteorologist Stephanie Abrams and climate desk journalists Sarah Holder, Jamilah King, Rebecca Leber, Brentin Mock and Nikhil Swaminathan. 

The interviews were recorded in communities impacted by extreme weather that “have seen the effects of the changing climate firsthand,” according to the network. 

“Extreme weather events are increasing due to climate change, and they affect every American in many ways, from our safety to our finances. … We look forward to showing viewers how the presidential candidates aim to address this critical issue,” Knabb said in the announcement.

The Democratic candidates who are participating are Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerPoll: Biden holds 10-point lead nationally over Warren Trump declines to participate in Weather Channel 2020 climate change special Bennet: Warren ‘not being honest about’ her ‘Medicare for All’ plan MORE (N.J.), Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisClinton attacks on Gabbard become flashpoint in presidential race Poll: Biden holds 10-point lead nationally over Warren Trump declines to participate in Weather Channel 2020 climate change special MORE (Calif.), Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenWarren to protest with striking Chicago teachers Overnight Health Care — Presented by Partnership for America’s Health Care Future — Four companies reach 0M settlement in opioid lawsuit | Deal opens door to larger settlements | House panel to consider vaping tax | Drug pricing markup tomorrow On The Money: Trump dismisses ‘phony Emoluments Clause’ after Doral criticism | Senate Dems signal support for domestic spending package | House panel to consider vaping tax MORE (Mass.), Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersWarren to protest with striking Chicago teachers Sanders: ‘Outrageous’ to suggest Gabbard ‘is a foreign asset’ Democratic strategist: Sanders seeking distance from Warren could ‘backfire’ MORE (I-Vt.), former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (Texas) and South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPeter (Pete) Paul ButtigiegSanders: ‘Outrageous’ to suggest Gabbard ‘is a foreign asset’ Hillicon Valley: Facebook removes Russian, Iranian accounts trying to interfere in 2020 | Zuckerberg on public relations blitz | Uncertainty over Huawei ban one month out Clinton attacks on Gabbard become flashpoint in presidential race MORE. 

The Weather Channel decided to pick the top seven Democrats in the polls at the time of the programming decision, a network spokesperson said. 

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump says he doesn’t want NYT in the White House Warren to protest with striking Chicago teachers Schiff punches back after GOP censure resolution fails MORE was also invited, the network said, but will not appear in the special. Biden’s campaign told the AP it was a scheduling issue. 

Biden’s campaign was not immediately available for comment when contacted by The Hill. 

Republican challengers former Rep. Joe WalshJoe WalshTrump declines to participate in Weather Channel 2020 climate change special Weather Channel to talk climate change with 2020 candidates GOP presidential challengers condemn decision to host G-7 at Trump resort MORE (Ill.), former Massachusetts Gov. William WeldWilliam (Bill) WeldTrump declines to participate in Weather Channel 2020 climate change special Weather Channel to talk climate change with 2020 candidates Trump accuses media, Democrats of going ‘crazy’ over G-7 at his Miami resort MORE and former Rep. Mark SanfordMarshall (Mark) Clement SanfordTrump declines to participate in Weather Channel 2020 climate change special Weather Channel to talk climate change with 2020 candidates Trump accuses media, Democrats of going ‘crazy’ over G-7 at his Miami resort MORE (S.C.) are also participating. 

Climate activists have pushed the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to hold a climate-focussed debate, but the DNC has said it will not hold an issue-based debate. 

Last month, CNN hosted a seven-hour town hall on climate change with 10 Democratic contenders.