Hunters and Veterans Are Fighting Trump’s Pick to Oversee Public Lands

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by Lisa Friedman

February 25, 2026

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Steve Pearce, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is set to face a Senate hearing on Wednesday as concerns mount over his qualifications and past actions regarding public lands management. Critics, including hunters and veterans who value conservation efforts, argue that Pearce’s record raises questions about his ability to balance outdoor recreation with resource extraction on public lands. Environmental advocates also point to his history of supporting policies that prioritize energy development over生态保护, which they say could harm sensitive ecosystems. Pearce, a former New Mexico congressman, has faced scrutiny for his role in pushing legislation that weakened environmental protections and opened up public lands for oil and gas drilling. His nomination has sparked particular concern among hunters and anglers, who rely on access to public lands for recreation and subsistence. Groups like the National Wildlife Federation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership have expressed opposition, arguing that Pearce’s policies have negatively impacted wildlife habitats and outdoor traditions. The hearing comes at a critical time as the BLM grapples with balancing multiple uses of public lands, including conservation, energy production, and recreational activities. Environmentalists worry that Pearce’s appointment could further shift the agency’s focus toward extractive industries, potentially undermining efforts to protect natural resources. Hunters and veterans, who have long been advocates for preserving public lands, see this as a direct threat to their way of life and the broader mission of conservation. For readers interested in news about public lands management and environmental policy, this issue highlights the ongoing tension between economic interests and ecological preservation under the Trump administration. The outcome of Pearce’s nomination could set a precedent for how the BLM approaches land use in the coming years, with implications for both outdoor enthusiasts and the environment. As the hearing unfolds, stakeholders on all sides are closely watching to see whether conservation or extraction will take precedence in public lands management.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026