Department of the Interior Terminates Partnerships

FIRST ON FOX: The Department of the Interior (DOI) has announced the termination of 43 partnerships with various outside groups, resulting in the elimination of over $4 million in planned funding. This move is part of a broader strategy that aligns with the priorities of the Trump administration, particularly focusing on issues related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), environmental justice, and support services for illegal immigrants.

Leadership and Direction

Under the leadership of Secretary Doug Burgum, the DOI has determined that these agreements were “operating in direct opposition” to its mission. The department stated in a press release that it is committed to ensuring all partnerships reflect the priorities of the American people, leading to the decision to terminate those agreements and remove references to these groups from its official platforms.

Scope of Termination

The terminated agreements previously supported a wide range of initiatives, including internship programs, conservation efforts, research projects, and cooperative partnerships aimed at enhancing community engagement. The DOI conducted a comprehensive review of its partnerships in March, identifying nearly 3,000 active agreements with approximately 2,000 outside entities, which included NGOs, nonprofits, private organizations, and educational institutions.

Findings of the Review

The department’s review concluded that many of these groups “did not appear to provide a clear benefit” to the DOI or “did not align with the department’s mission.” This reassessment was part of Secretary Burgum’s efforts to refocus the department’s resources towards initiatives that directly support the administration’s goals.

Specific Groups Affected

Among the notable groups targeted for termination were the Hispanic Access Foundation and Latino Outdoors. The Hispanic Access Foundation offered scholarships aimed at illegal immigrant Latino students, while Latino Outdoors provided guidance on circumventing detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Both organizations have engaged in advocacy efforts that the DOI claims conflict with the administration’s priorities, particularly in relation to oil and gas development.

Cultural and Educational Initiatives

The DOI also highlighted the American Alliance of Museums, which had been involved in building DEI programs within national parks as part of its Community Engagement initiative. This organization had previously promoted DEI efforts through its Facing Change initiative at museums, raising concerns for the DOI under the current administration.

Environmental Advocacy Under Scrutiny

Another group, Conservation International, was flagged for its advocacy of a “total phase out of fossil fuels.” The DOI pointed to the group’s statements regarding fossil fuels being the “leading culprit” of climate change, which contradicts the administration’s energy policies and focus on fossil fuel development.

Continued Cultural Engagement

The Cultural Landscape Foundation, which has worked with the National Park Service on a variety of educational activities, was also included in the termination list. The organization has been critical of several administration policies and has actively litigated against changes at notable cultural landmarks, including the Kennedy Center.

Department’s Commitment to New Partnerships

“Under President Trump and Secretary Burgum, the Department of the Interior is taking decisive action to ensure its partnerships and resources support the priorities of this administration,” stated Matthew Middleton, principal deputy communications director and director of research at the DOI. He emphasized the commitment to dismantling partnerships that promote ideologies conflicting with the administration’s objectives, such as phasing out baseload energy and defunding law enforcement services.

Future Directions

The DOI asserted that going forward, it will invest in partnerships that promote responsible stewardship and expand access to public lands, delivering tangible benefits to the American populace. The department has committed to ensuring future collaborations align seamlessly with its defined mission.

Responses From Affected Organizations

Fox News Digital has reached out to the affected organizations, including the Hispanic Access Foundation, Latino Outdoors, the American Alliance of Museums, Conservation International, and the Cultural Landscape Foundation for comment on their termination. Their responses may provide further insight into the ramifications of these decisions and the broader impact on community engagement and environmental advocacy.

Broader Implications of Partnership Cuts

The move to cut ties with these organizations is part of a more extensive agenda by the Trump administration, aimed at rolling back DEI initiatives, reinforcing immigration enforcement, and promoting energy development. Additional groups that the DOI is severing relationships with include the Green Schools Alliance, Doris Duke Foundation, National Wildlife Federation, California Native Plant Society, Clean Ocean Action, and the National Geographic Society.

Conclusion

The Department of the Interior’s actions reflect a significant shift in how partnerships with community and environmental organizations are evaluated and prioritized. As the administration continues to redefine its focus, the long-term effects of these terminations on conservation, community engagement, and resource management remain to be seen.