Christmas Initiative from Trump’s Interior Secretary
Doug Burgum, the Interior Secretary under President Donald Trump, is introducing a new plan focused on Christmas trees and firewood. The aim? To “make Christmas affordable again.”
This initiative, dubbed the Holiday Affordable Initiative, is designed to help families save costs while enjoying public lands, particularly during the winter seasons of 2025-2026, while also promoting wildfire prevention.
As part of this plan, the Bureau of Land Management will eliminate or reduce permit fees for activities related to recreation, firewood collection, and Christmas tree harvesting until the end of January. There’s also a “$1, 1 tree” campaign aiming to cut Christmas tree permit fees almost entirely.
According to an official from the Interior Department, fees will be lowered significantly to just $1 per tree or cord of firewood. This could lead to an estimated savings of about $388 per family this holiday season, as the typical cost for a real Christmas tree averages around $90, while tree decorations can cost up to $300.
Additionally, the department plans to open new logging locations in areas suffering from over-forestation. This targets regions that would see the most benefit, such as those near communities, military bases, and tribal lands.
Furthermore, the household limits have been raised to allow families to gather up to ten cords of firewood and three Christmas trees, with potential adjustments depending on resource availability.
The Interior Department believes this initiative could lead to substantial savings for families while also addressing forest health issues by reducing hazardous fuel loads. A recent report from the House Natural Resources Committee revealed that around 117 million acres of federal land are at a high risk for wildfires due to a build-up of dry fuels over time.
Ultimately, the goal is to align with President Trump’s broader mission of cutting costs for Americans. The department anticipates that these new programs could save U.S. households at least $9.4 million during the holiday period, while allowing families the opportunity to gather their own firewood and Christmas trees.
The Interior Ministry plans to issue updates through state authorities and collaborate with community organizations to ensure information is widely shared.
Burgum emphasized the importance of providing real savings to American families during the holiday season. He noted, “The $1.1 Tree initiative exemplifies how our public lands can bring lasting benefits to Americans and help brighten the holidays.” Under Trump’s leadership, the goal is indeed to make Christmas more affordable for everyone.
