MSN • February 22, 2025
On the very first day of his presidency, Donald Trump made it clear that his administration would prioritize industrial development over environmental conservation. Through a series of executive orders, he dismantled existing climate and conservation policies that had been put in place to protect public lands. These orders primarily focused on opening up these lands for drilling and mining activities, which marked a significant shift from the previous administration's priorities. The swift actions taken on inauguration day were a harbinger of the administration's intent to reshape America's environmental landscape. Public lands that were once protected were suddenly at risk of being exploited for their natural resources. The executive orders sparked immediate concern among environmentalists who feared the long-term impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.