Outdoor retail giant REI has issued a formal apology for endorsing Doug Burgum , President Donald Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary, after mounting criticism over the department’s direction under his leadership.
Mary Beth Laughton , REI’s recently appointed president and CEO, acknowledged that the company’s earlier support for Burgum — which came before her tenure — no longer reflects its position. “REI will be a corporate leader in pressuring the Interior Department to be transparent about its decisions involving public lands,” Laughton stated, adding that the company will also urge Congress to stop “the large-scale sell-off” of federal lands.
The apology follows significant outcry from environmental groups, which had cautioned against Burgum’s nomination when he was still governor of North Dakota. Critics warned that his business background and political affiliations could lead to the exploitation of public lands in favor of fossil fuel profits.
REI had joined a group of organizations in January to endorse Burgum, praising his track record on outdoor recreation. The letter expressed support for his nomination, noting that his “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.”
Since taking office, Burgum has proposed turning federal lands into sites for affordable housing and has backed Trump's controversial efforts to rejuvenate the coal industry — moves that many conservation advocates view as betrayals of environmental stewardship.
REI’s retraction reflects a broader trend of corporate disillusionment with the Trump administration . Companies that previously stood by the president are now facing public pressure, internal dissent, and even financial fallout. For example, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently reversed course on earlier praise for Trump’s trade approach, admitting that tariffs could contribute to inflation and economic slowdown.
Media outlets including CNBC and The Washington Post have reported on the struggles of businesses that aligned themselves too closely with Trump’s policies, particularly in the tech sector. REI is now among the growing list of companies that appear to be reevaluating their alliances.
In distancing itself from Burgum and committing to stronger advocacy on behalf of public lands, REI seems intent on realigning its image with its environmentally conscious consumer base — even if it means walking back a high-profile endorsement made just months ago.
Mary Beth Laughton , REI’s recently appointed president and CEO, acknowledged that the company’s earlier support for Burgum — which came before her tenure — no longer reflects its position. “REI will be a corporate leader in pressuring the Interior Department to be transparent about its decisions involving public lands,” Laughton stated, adding that the company will also urge Congress to stop “the large-scale sell-off” of federal lands.
The apology follows significant outcry from environmental groups, which had cautioned against Burgum’s nomination when he was still governor of North Dakota. Critics warned that his business background and political affiliations could lead to the exploitation of public lands in favor of fossil fuel profits.
REI had joined a group of organizations in January to endorse Burgum, praising his track record on outdoor recreation. The letter expressed support for his nomination, noting that his “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.”
Since taking office, Burgum has proposed turning federal lands into sites for affordable housing and has backed Trump's controversial efforts to rejuvenate the coal industry — moves that many conservation advocates view as betrayals of environmental stewardship.
REI’s retraction reflects a broader trend of corporate disillusionment with the Trump administration . Companies that previously stood by the president are now facing public pressure, internal dissent, and even financial fallout. For example, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently reversed course on earlier praise for Trump’s trade approach, admitting that tariffs could contribute to inflation and economic slowdown.
Media outlets including CNBC and The Washington Post have reported on the struggles of businesses that aligned themselves too closely with Trump’s policies, particularly in the tech sector. REI is now among the growing list of companies that appear to be reevaluating their alliances.
In distancing itself from Burgum and committing to stronger advocacy on behalf of public lands, REI seems intent on realigning its image with its environmentally conscious consumer base — even if it means walking back a high-profile endorsement made just months ago.
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