Day: February 25, 2026

An unusual coalition of hunters, military veterans and environmental activists is opposing President Trump’s choice to lead the Bureau of Land Management, Steve Pearce, calling him a threat to public lands. Mr. Pearce, 78, a Republican and former member of Congress from New Mexico, would oversee about 245 million acres of federal land, and 700 million acres of minerals beneath the ground. . He would also manage the government’s coal, oil and gas leasing programs at a time when President Trump wants to substantially increase drilling and mining on public lands. Mr. Pearce is expected to field questions Wednesday about his views on the use of federal lands when the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources considers his nomination. Critics said they were concerned about actions Mr. Pearce had taken as a lawmaker to try to sell public lands to private interests. The Vet Voice Foundation, an advocacy group made up of military veterans, is helping to organize a campaign against Mr. Pearce’s confirmation and has created a “Sell-Off Steve” website. Advertisement