What Will Donald Trump Do With Public Lands?

Published February 25, 2025 at 11:56 AM MST

"The sun goes down over Valley of the Gods, which is part of Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah."

It’s unclear whether President Donald Trump gives much thought to public land in the West. Nonetheless, observers on all sides are fairly certain his new administration will have a noticeable impact on public lands policy in the region. Which begs the question: If Trump isn’t the one guiding those policies, who is? And what does that mean for America’s 640 million acres of federally-owned public land?

According to journalist and conservationist Hal Herring, if someone is whispering in President Trump’s ears about public lands, what they’re telling him probably draws heavily on the ideology of the Sagebrush Rebellion. For decades, the Sagebrush Rebels have sought to gain control of public lands and more fully realize their monetary potential. Federal land policy and the courts have largely stood in their way. But does the new Trump administration give the rebels and their supporters – including the State of Utah – the opportunity they need to finally realize their objectives?

GUESTS —

Dan McCool | University of Utah Professor Emeritus of Political Science.

Hal Herring | Journalist, contributing editor to Field and Stream magazine, and host of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Podcast and Blast.

Anastasia Hufham | Environmental reporter covering Utah's public lands for the Salt Lake Tribune.

Airdate: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 at 9 a.m. and Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at 11 a.m.