The CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), an outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, has retracted her support for Doug Burgum’s nomination as Secretary of the Interior. Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO, stated that her company now regrets signing a letter in support of Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota. 

“Signing that letter was a mistake,” Laughton said in a video message posted to Instagram on April 9. “The actions that the administration has taken on public lands are completely at odds with the long-standing values of REI.” A Department of the Interior representative recently commented, “Secretary Burgum remains committed to conserving and managing the nation’s natural and cultural resources, upholding tribal trust responsibilities, and overseeing public lands and waters for the benefit of all Americans.”

Why it Matters

President Donald Trump enjoyed the direct and tacit endorsement of many of America’s most influential business leaders before his inauguration. However, recent policies, particularly those related to economics and trade, have started to alienate some companies like REI, whose interests or operations now conflict with the administration’s agenda. 

Retraction

REI and several American outdoor recreation companies signed a letter sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in January to express their “strong support” for Burgum’s nomination. The letter, in part, read, “Governor Burgum’s history of support for outdoor recreation, the outdoor recreation economy, and the protection of public lands and waters makes his leadership critical for the Administration and the Department.

The letter continued, “Governor Burgum has shown a commitment to supporting outdoor recreation as an economic driver and a meaningful way to connect communities.” Laughton, who took the reins as CEO following Burgum’s confirmation on January 30, said that the show of support was intended to “have a seat at the table and continue our outdoor recreation advocacy.”

Public Comments

Laughton continued her comments on Instagram: “Our public lands are under attack. From the gutting of national park staff to expanded threats of drilling, or even selling off of our public lands, the future of life outdoors has never felt so uncertain.” However, she said that the actions taken by the administration on American public lands so far were “completely at odds with the long-standing values of REI” and referenced the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)-driven dismissal of National Park Service employees, the push for oil and gas drilling on federal lands, and the possible sale of said lands.

The Next Steps

REI has joined a newly established business coalition called Brands for Public Lands, launched last week and led by the Conservative Alliance. The group, comprising over 60 businesses headquartered in 17 states, aims to counter threats such as the sale of public lands and the expansion of industrial activities, including oil and gas drilling.

Laughton’s message highlighted that the coalition was calling on the Department of the Interior to be transparent and to consult the public on major decisions that affect public lands.