Interior Department halts $14M fishing grant amid spending concerns

The Interior Department just reeled in a big one by canceling a hefty multi-year grant to a nonprofit under fire for questionable spending.

This decision, targeting the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) based in Alexandria, Virginia, came after intense scrutiny over how taxpayer dollars were being used, saving at least $40.5 million in the near term, as Fox News reports.

RBFF, a group focused on promoting fishing and boating since 1998, has received over $164 million in federal funds since 2012, with $26 million already paid out under the now-canceled grant. The money, largely sourced from excise taxes on fishing poles, was meant to support initiatives like the “Take Me Fishing” campaign, which began with congressional backing nearly three decades ago. But lately, it seems the catch wasn’t matching the bait.

Scrutiny sparks grant cancellation

The cancellation followed a Fox News Digital report flagged by the Senate DOGE Caucus, led by chairwoman Joni Ernst (R-IA), who didn’t mince words about the waste. “Today’s catch of the day is Washington waste,” Ernst declared. Well, when you spot a $1.99 million contract with Disney for streaming ads and $5 million to a Minnesota media agency, it’s hard not to smell something fishy.

Ernst also uncovered hundreds of thousands spent on “SEO consulting” and executive salaries in the mid-$100,000s and up at RBFF. “I am proud to have exposed bloated overhead costs,” she said, emphasizing her push to keep tax dollars from lining the pockets of D.C. consultants. Turns out, fiscal responsibility might just be the best bait for taxpayer trust.

The Interior Department, under Secretary Doug Burgum, agreed, with spokeswoman Charlotte Taylor stating, “Following a review of discretionary spending, the Department determined that the use of this particular grant had not demonstrated sufficient alignment with program goals.” That’s bureaucrat-speak for “we’re not buying what you’re selling.” It’s a refreshing nod to accountability in an era often drowning in unchecked spending.

RBFF defends economic impact

RBFF, for its part, isn’t taking the hook quietly, claiming they’ve built a $230.5 billion industry supporting 1.1 million American jobs and generating $263 million in tax revenue. “Since 1998, [RBFF] has helped build what has become a $230.5 billion industry,” officials stated. That’s a big number, but when taxpayers are footing the bill, they expect more than shiny stats—they want results that don’t float away on consultant fees.

The nonprofit also warned of dire consequences from the funding pause, noting an 8.6% drop in fishing license sales across 16 states in just two months. “Alarmingly, in just the past two months since RBFF’s funding has been paused, fishing license sales are down 8.6%,” they said. It’s a tough blow, no doubt, but perhaps a leaner operation could still keep the industry afloat without draining the public pond.

Industry voices, like Matt Gruhn of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, echoed RBFF’s defense, praising their role in boosting boating and fishing. “Their training and resources vastly improved state agency processes,” Gruhn noted. Admirable, sure, but when excise taxes from hardworking anglers fund Disney ads, one wonders if the priority is industry growth or corporate cozying.

Communication gaps or convenient excuses?

RBFF officials claimed they’ve been shut out, unable to connect with DOGE or Interior despite outreach attempts over three months. A source, however, confirmed they met with Ernst’s office, and Taylor countered, “Anything to say otherwise is inaccurate,” noting multiple contacts with Burgum’s team. Sounds like someone’s fishing for sympathy with a weak line.

The Interior Department stands firm, with Taylor affirming, “Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring that every taxpayer dollar serves a clear purpose.” That’s the kind of stewardship conservatives have been casting for — government funds shouldn’t be a bottomless lake for nonprofits to dip into without scrutiny.

Meanwhile, RBFF said they adjusted their plan with reduced staff, updated priorities, and trimmed compensation to meet administration goals. Noble effort, but when you’ve already spent millions on questionable contracts, rebuilding trust is a long haul upstream. Actions, as they say, speak louder than press releases.

Industry implications and future questions

The American Sportfishing Association, whose members have self-imposed a fishing rod tax since 1950 for industry reinvestment, criticized the lack of consultation. CEO Glenn Hughes lamented, “Without consultation and coordination with the recreational fishing industry, the Department of the Interior decided to withhold critical funding.” It’s a fair point — stakeholders deserve a seat at the table, not just a bill for the feast.

Still, Ernst isn’t backing off, promising, “There’s more pork in the sea, and I am going to keep fishing for it!” That’s the kind of tenacity taxpayers appreciate, especially when every dollar saved could mean more for genuine conservation or community programs. Waste-hunting might just become the new national pastime.

The ripple effects of this cancellation are real, with RBFF citing a loss of over $590 million in angler spending and 5,600 jobs due to declining license sales. Yet, if the system was already bloated with overhead, perhaps this cut is the wake-up call needed to streamline efforts for true industry support. After all, a tighter ship sails better, even in rough waters.