Trump leans into conservation, signs ‘Make America Beautiful Again’ executive order

The new commission established by the order will focus on conserving American “national treasures,” improving access to drinking water, and expanding access to public land for recreational activities.

By Steven Richards

Published: July 4, 2025 9:44am

Updated: July 4, 2025 10:10am

President Donald Trump signed a “Make America Beautiful Again” executive order establishing a commission tasked with conservation of natural resources, protecting wildlife, and expanding access to public lands.

The order, which the president signed on Thursday, is aimed at outlining a conservative environmental policy for the administration that includes reducing bureaucratic restrictions on the enjoyment of public lands and preserving treasures, like America’s national parks, for the next generation.

“The United States is blessed with vast beautiful landscapes, abundant natural resources, and a rich heritage of discovery by travelers and outdoorsmen. America’s national parks, forests, waterways, and public lands have inspired generations and kindled our Nation’s spirit of exploration,” the president’s order reads.

“To ensure that the next generation of Americans inherits this same sense of duty and adventure, my Administration will prioritize conserving our great American national parks and outdoor recreation areas,” it continues.

The order tasks the Make America Beautiful Again Commission--whose members include a mix of cabinet secretaries, agency heads, and private advisors--with advising the president on how best to “responsibly conserve America’s national treasures.”

The commission will recommend solutions to improve access to clean drinking water, restore aquatic ecosystems, and increase access to public lands for recreational activities and outdoor sports.

The order is the culmination of an advocacy campaign by 27-year-old conservative environmental activist Benji Backer, who delivered a draft of the order to the White House in early February, the Washington Post reported.

“Working with the White House on this EO for the past six months has been an honor,” Backer posted to X. “I’m grateful for [Trump] & his team for their leadership. This is an incredible step that will leave a positive mark for our environment for generations!”