Key Questions to Ask President-Elect Trump’s Cabinet Nominees

As President-Elect Trump's Cabinet Nominees embark on confirmation hearings in the coming weeks, here are some of the questions we hope they field to ensure the continued growth and success of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and the public lands and waters it relies on:

Q: The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion and 5 million American jobs in 2023, comprising 2.3% of the nation’s economy and 3.1% of all employees in the country. The recreation economy is bigger than agriculture and extractive industries. What will you do to support a thriving outdoor recreation economy?

Q: The outdoor recreation economy relies on balanced trade to create American jobs and provide consumers with products, gear, and vehicles from American brands and manufacturers. How will you support trade policies that keep the outdoor recreation economy competitive? 

Q: Healthy and accessible public lands and waters are essential to the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and livelihoods in every corner of the country. Do you support public lands and waters remaining public to guarantee quality access and conservation for the sustainable future of outdoor recreation, jobs and quality of life? 

Q: Outdoor recreation has proven to be a catalyst for economic growth, especially in rural areas. But to truly unlock the potential of these communities, we need more than just a shared vision—we need actionable strategies, policies, partnerships, and funding. What do you see as the important pillars to supporting outdoor recreation economies that are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive? 

Q: Outdoor recreation is known to be a critical contributor to the U.S. economy, generating $1.2 trillion in economic impact annually, according to the U.S. government. But its positive effects go far beyond stimulating the economy—outdoor recreation transforms people, their mental and physical health, and the society they live in. Do you agree that we are all better off as individuals and as a society when we have access to the outdoors? Will you encourage an all-of-government approach and collaboration with organizations and businesses to develop programs that integrate outdoor activities into education and public health strategies? 

Q: The bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law in 2020 by President Trump, was transformative for outdoor recreation and conservation and authorized critical funding for the Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA LRF) program for much-needed maintenance and infrastructure in our national parks, wildlife refuges, bureau of land management, forests, and Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools through fiscal year 2025. Healthy public lands and waters are the backbone of the $1.2 Trillion recreation economy- our infrastructure. Do you support the reauthorization of GAOA LRF to address the long overdue maintenance backlog? Should federal agencies take steps to recognize and prioritize the importance of outdoor recreation and appropriately allocate funding to outdoor recreation infrastructure, resources, and programs? 

Q: States that prioritize outdoor recreation create jobs, attract new businesses and residents, build healthy communities, connect their residents to the outdoors, and more. Twenty-four states have created Offices of Outdoor Recreation that serve as central champions for the outdoor recreation economy and grow its associated benefits. How will you use this role to elevate these 24 Offices of Outdoor Recreation and support the effort to create an office in every state?