Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes Make America Beautiful Again Commission
7/3/2025
Action Summary
- Commission Establishment: President Trump issued an Executive Order on July 3, 2025, to form the Make America Beautiful Again (MABA) Commission, aimed at conserving America’s lands and waters while reducing bureaucratic red tape.
- Leadership: The Commission is chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and includes members from President Trump’s Administration.
- Mission Objectives: Expand public access to lands and waters to promote outdoor recreation for hunters, anglers, hikers, bikers, and other nature enthusiasts; incentivize voluntary conservation efforts.
- Scientific and Environmental Approach: Utilize “gold-standard” science to promote active forest management and responsible stewardship, reducing bureaucratic delays that hamper effective environmental management.
- Economic Impact: Support the outdoor recreation economy, which contributes $1.2 trillion in economic output and 5 million jobs.
- Policy Context: Address concerns over previous restrictions and mismanagement that limited access to public lands, contrasting with the policies of the Biden Administration.
- Legacy and Conservation Achievements: Build on the legacy of conservative conservationists like Teddy Roosevelt and integrate accomplishments from President Trump’s first term, such as the Great American Outdoors Act, expanded wilderness areas, and increased recreational opportunities.
- Balanced Environmental Policy: Aim to protect American industries while ensuring high standards for clean air and water.
Risks & Considerations
- The establishment of the Make America Beautiful Again (MABA) Commission could lead to changes in federal policies regarding land use and conservation, which may impact research and educational programs related to environmental science and policy at Vanderbilt University.
- There is a potential risk that the focus on expanding access to public lands for recreation could conflict with conservation efforts, leading to environmental degradation if not managed properly.
- The emphasis on reducing bureaucratic delays and promoting active forest management may result in regulatory changes that could affect ongoing research projects and partnerships with federal agencies.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in conservation policy could affect its environmental research initiatives and collaborations with government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences may see increased demand for research and expertise in conservation policy and land management, presenting opportunities for collaboration with the MABA Commission and other federal agencies.
- The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could play a crucial role in analyzing the environmental impacts of expanded recreational access and active forest management practices.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Community Engagement might need to engage with local communities and stakeholders to address concerns related to changes in land use and conservation policies.
- Partnerships with federal agencies and non-profit organizations focused on conservation and environmental protection may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new policies.
Financial Impact
- The focus on expanding the outdoor recreation economy could create new funding opportunities for research and development in environmental science and policy at Vanderbilt University.
- Changes in federal conservation policies may impact the availability of grants and funding for environmental research, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
- Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding landscape, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize conservation and recreation initiatives.
- As conservation and recreation policies evolve, there could be a shift in the focus of research projects and funding priorities, potentially affecting the university’s research portfolio and financial planning.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, particularly in environmental research and policy areas.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department should explore partnerships with the MABA Commission to contribute research and expertise in conservation efforts. By aligning with national conservation priorities, the department can enhance its research profile and secure funding for projects related to public land management and environmental stewardship.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the MABA Commission’s initiatives to identify potential funding opportunities for projects that align with Vanderbilt’s strengths in environmental science and policy. Engaging with federal agencies involved in the commission could position Vanderbilt to influence policy and secure grants.
- Vanderbilt’s Outdoor Recreation Program can capitalize on the expansion of access to public lands by developing new outdoor education and recreation programs. These initiatives could attract students interested in environmental studies and outdoor activities, enhancing the university’s appeal to prospective students.
- The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the implications of the MABA Commission’s policies on public land access and conservation. This research can provide valuable insights into the balance between conservation and economic growth, contributing to national discussions on environmental policy.
- Vanderbilt’s Sustainability and Environmental Management Office should assess the potential impacts of the MABA Commission’s initiatives on campus sustainability efforts. By aligning campus policies with national conservation goals, Vanderbilt can enhance its reputation as a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Department to expand its research and development of conservation models. By leveraging its expertise in environmental policy and management, the department can contribute to the design and evaluation of effective conservation programs, potentially influencing national environmental policy.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on outdoor recreation by developing new programs and partnerships with national parks and public lands. This could include joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and collaborative conservation projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the environmental sector.
- The emphasis on expanding access to public lands offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Outdoor Recreation Program to engage in program development and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the program can influence how these lands are utilized and enjoyed by the public.
- The order’s focus on conserving American treasures aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for students interested in conservation, enhancing their educational opportunities and success.
- By engaging with the broader environmental community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on conservation and public land access. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of conservation policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative environmental thought and practice.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to opportunities in conservation and public land access.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A: The document does not specify any deadlines or timelines for the directives.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of the Interior: The Department of the Interior is directly impacted as its Secretary is appointed to chair the newly established Make America Beautiful Again Commission, placing the agency at the forefront of the conservation and public lands access initiative.
- Make America Beautiful Again (MABA) Commission: This new executive commission, composed of members from President Trump’s Administration, is tasked with promoting conservation and expanding access to public lands and waters, thereby affecting policy implementation across relevant federal agencies.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only one or two agencies are directly affected by the executive action.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of the Interior – Chairs the MABA Commission and is responsible for leading the efforts to expand public lands access, drive conservation, and enhance economic growth through environmental stewardship.
- The Make America Beautiful Again Commission – Comprised of members of the Administration, this commission is tasked with executing the directives outlined in the Executive Order, including reducing bureaucratic delays and promoting active forest management.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet officials, specifically the Secretary of the Interior, and key members of the Administration.)