REI Apologizes For Backing Trump Nominee Citing Conflict With Environmental Values

Photo: REI/Kyle Johnson

India-West News Desk

SEATTLE, WA – Following strong criticism from its members, REI Co-op has withdrawn its endorsement of Doug Burgum, a former Trump administration appointee whose environmental record has drawn the ire of conservation groups for supporting fossil fuel drilling on public lands and easing environmental protections.

REI had originally joined over 30 outdoor recreation companies in a January letter supporting Burgum’s nomination. The decision was met with intense backlash from members of the co-op, which has built its brand around environmental responsibility. The REI Union had called the endorsement “shocking,” saying it was indicative of a troubling pattern of the company “abandoning the values that make our Co-op special,” KNKX-NPR reported.

In an April 9 video statement, newly installed CEO Mary Beth Laughton apologized for the decision and pledged to realign REI with its core mission. “Let me be clear: Signing that letter was a mistake,” she said. “The actions that the administration has taken on public lands are completely at odds with the longstanding values of REI.”

Laughton, formerly an executive at Nike and Athleta, assumed the CEO role on March 31 following the retirement of Eric Artz. She emphasized that the letter had been signed before her tenure began, adding that REI had initially supported it in an attempt to maintain influence in outdoor recreation policy circles.

To reinforce the company’s renewed commitment, Laughton announced REI’s leadership role in a new coalition called Brands for Public Lands, made up of over 60 businesses advocating for the protection of public lands in Congress and with the U.S. Department of the Interior.

“Our public lands are under attack—from the gutting of national park staff to growing threats of drilling or even privatization,” Laughton said. “The future of life outdoors has never felt so uncertain.”

The REI Union responded positively to the reversal, calling it “a huge step back on the right path for our co-op” and a sign that the new CEO is listening to member concerns, as reported by NPR.