Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Over the weekend, the Huffington Post published a story on the newly-appointed deputy assistant secretary of fish, wildlife and parks at the Department of the Interior and connections to racist and white supremacist writings. According to the article, the appointee, Jeremy Carl, called the movement for Black lives “racist,” defended Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse, and uncritically cited white supremacist Jared Taylor in an op-ed. Carl was appointed to the position by the Trump administration earlier in October.
This is not the first time a Trump appointee at Interior has been criticized for racist behavior. William Perry Pendley, who illegally served as the acting director of the Bureau of Land Management before his removal by a federal judge has attacked Indigenous groups and claimed the movement for Black lives is based on a “terrible lie.” Despite the ruling, Pendley continues to serve at the Bureau.
In response, Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s land protection program, released the following statement:
“That the Trump administration would hire someone to a high position who is associated with white nationalism is shameful, but sadly unsurprising. From Day 1, this administration has been more concerned with inviting dirty energy executives to our public lands than welcoming the public, especially people of color. Racism has no place on our public lands, and it has no place atop the Department of the Interior.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.