VVF Statement Regarding Trump Administration’s Latest Attacks on Our Public Lands

Vet Voice Foundation’s Will Goodwin, a US Army Veteran, stated the following regarding the Trump Administration’s plan to revoke protections for two Utah National Monuments:

“Donald Trump, first with Secretary Zinke and now with Secretary Bernhardt, has made attacking our public lands and undermining the Antiquities Act a top priority from day one. But today’s announcement that the Trump Administration will revoke protections on two treasured national monuments in Utah — Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument — less than 24 hours after Senator Mitt Romney (UT) voted to convict Trump of high-crimes and misdemeanors is a new low for an administration defined by lows.

“Make no mistake, using our public lands as a political football to punish political opponents is an abuse of presidential power —one with tremendous implications for those who love our public lands and want to preserve them for future generations.

“As veterans, we swore an oath to protect and defend this nation. That includes fighting to protect our public lands. The president and Secretary Bernhardt may see these spaces as opportunities for making money and political gamesmanship. We see them as sacred places where people — veterans and non-veterans — turn to for solace, peace, and healing.”