REI Co-op Withdraws Support for Controversial Nominee Due to Member Backlash

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Following significant backlash from its members, REI Co-op announced on April 9, 2025, that it is retracting its endorsement of Doug Burgum, a figure associated with the Trump administration whose nomination has faced scrutiny from environmental advocates.

REI was initially one of over 30 outdoor recreation companies that endorsed Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, back in January. This endorsement was met with swift criticism from members of the Issaquah-based co-op, which has long been synonymous with environmental stewardship.

The REI Union described the endorsement as “shocking,” highlighting concerns that the cooperative was “abandoning the values that make our Co-op special.” In response to these sentiments, newly appointed CEO Mary Beth Laughton publicly apologized to members in a video released Wednesday.

“Let me be clear: Signing that letter was a mistake,” Laughton stated. “The actions that the administration has taken on public lands are completely at odds with the longstanding values of REI.” She emphasized that the endorsement decision was made before her tenure began on March 31, shortly after the retirement of Eric Artz.

Laughton explained that their intention in supporting Burgum was to maintain influence in advocacy efforts for outdoor recreation. “We wanted to have a seat at the table and continue our outdoor recreation advocacy,” she noted.

In light of member feedback, REI is now taking a leadership role in a newly formed coalition of over 60 businesses, which aims to lobby Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior for the protection of public lands. “Our public lands are under attack, from the gutting of national park staff to expanded threats of drilling or even selling off of our public lands,” Laughton added. “The future of life outdoors has never felt so uncertain.”

REI has been navigating financial difficulties in recent years, compounded by an ongoing unionization effort. The National Labor Relations Board ruled against REI in March, finding that the company had illegally withheld benefits packages from workers at unionized stores, a claim that REI denies.

Unionized employees are now urging REI members to withhold their votes in the upcoming board elections, as the company has decided to withdraw from the ballot. The REI Union characterized the retraction of Burgum’s endorsement as a significant step back in the right direction for the cooperative, signifying that Laughton is attentive to member concerns.