Story perspectives

Trump Nominee Faces Backlash Over Federal Land Sales

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Bureau of Land Management, Steve Pearce, faced a February 25, 2026 hearing.
Senators questioned Pearce’s past support for selling federal lands, drawing criticism from environmental groups.
Pearce said he would not conduct mass land sales, citing legal limits.
The hearing ended without a vote, and public opposition persisted, including a Western states poll showing 76% against selling public land for housing.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Bureau of Land Management, Steve Pearce, faced a February 25, 2026 hearing.
Senators questioned Pearce’s past support for selling federal lands, drawing criticism from environmental groups.
Pearce said he would not conduct mass land sales, citing legal limits.
The hearing ended without a vote, and public opposition persisted, including a Western states poll showing 76% against selling public land for housing.