Map Shows Public Land Eligible for Sale as MAGA and Left Unite to Oppose
NewsweekJUN 5
GOP Senator Proposes Selling Over 2 Million Acres of Federal Land
Above: U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) speaks to a staffer during a hearing in Washington, D.C., on June 18, 2025. Image copyright: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Selling 0.5% of federal land, a tiny fraction of America's vast landscape, would raise revenue and spur economic growth. The plan targets unused land, excludes parks, and prioritizes development-friendly areas. Private owners would invest in these parcels, unlike the government’s poor stewardship. With 258 million acres available, selling 3.3 million is a modest step to unlock potential.
Establishment-critical narrative
Selling 250 million acres of public land is a precedent to kill America's natural treasures for minimal gain. It's a giveaway to the wealthy, not a housing fix. The revenue also won't offset massive tax cuts. The Republicans proposing it aren't even true conservatives, because if they were, they'd agree with Teddy Roosevelt, who prioritized preserving nature's beauty over short-term profits.
Metaculus Prediction
Editor's Note
This story currently has limited reporting from right-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.