Discontent among MAGA supporters due to tech entrepreneurs' ambitious plan to demolish federal lands, thereby establishing novel urban areas.
In the current political landscape, the idea of creating new, privately owned cities in the U.S. is a topic of much debate. Known as the Freedom Cities movement, this initiative aims to establish densely populated communities that promote homeownership and economic freedoms, with a focus on less than 0.5% of federal land, particularly in the Western states.
The movement gained prominence in 2023 when former President Donald Trump proposed a contest to charter up to 10 new Freedom Cities. These cities, envisioned as a means to "reopen the frontier" and offer renewed opportunities for Americans, have been met with significant political resistance.
The American Enterprise Institute has identified that about 0.3% of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in the West—around 850 square miles—could support building over 1.5 million homes near existing cities by increasing housing density. However, both Democrats and Republicans have opposed selling public lands for these purposes, emphasising the importance of preserving federal lands for future generations.
Mike Lee, a Senator from Utah, is a notable legislative champion for the Freedom Cities movement. He introduced a provision to Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" offering 1.2 million acres of federal land for sale and development for "affordable housing" and other private interests. However, this provision faced opposition from lawmakers across the country, including from Montana, Idaho, Washington, California, and Oregon. These opponents threatened to torpedo Trump's entire bill if Lee's provision remained.
The withdrawal of Lee's provision from Trump's megabill was due to a significant amount of misinformation and outright lies about the bill, according to Mike Lee's statement. Viral MAGA influencers, such as Cameron Hanes, a Trump-voting hunter and gun rights YouTuber, have been openly critical of Mike Lee's plan, claiming that the senator has been spreading "misinformation" about who is criticizing the bill.
The Trump administration's actions indicate a lack of concern for the environment, as they continue to open up public lands for potential development despite widespread opposition. The land for this project would primarily come from 11 Western states, some of which are adjacent to national parks. American Progress has noted that well-loved recreation spots, popular areas for hunting and fishing, prime wildlife habitat, and even sacred or historic sites could have potentially been privatized under the bill.
Despite opposition from a majority of Americans, who support protections for public lands and oppose policies that would open public lands up to drilling, mining, or other development, efforts to deregulate and ultimately develop public lands are still ongoing. This raises concerns about the government's disregard for the environment.
Hanes has been posting long, detailed videos slamming Lee's bill and urging his followers to call Congress to express their opposition. The lobby to create tech billionaires' network of libertarian dystopias is still in place, suggesting ongoing efforts to deregulate and develop public lands.
The Freedom Cities movement reflects a blend of libertarian and entrepreneurial ambitions to create new urban models with different governance, often on federally owned land. However, the political landscape remains divided, with ongoing debates about the best way to address housing shortages and economic freedom in the U.S. West. The movement is diverse, including efforts by billionaires, special economic zones, and innovative urban developments worldwide. Some aim to achieve self-governing status, becoming what they call “Free Cities” if they succeed.
The Free Cities Foundation, a notable organization supporting the broader new cities movement, emphasizes building communities with enhanced living standards and new governance models that prioritize individual rights and freedoms. The movement is not limited to the U.S., with efforts for private and semi-autonomous cities occurring globally.
In summary, the Freedom Cities movement is in an exploratory and promotional phase, with concrete plans proposed but significant opposition, particularly regarding the use of federal lands for these developments. The political landscape remains divided, with ongoing debates about the best way to address housing shortages and economic freedom in the U.S. West.
- The Freedom Cities movement, reached prominence in 2023 when former President Donald Trump proposed a contest to charter up to 10 new Freedom Cities.
- These cities, envisioned as a means to "reopen the frontier" and offer renewed opportunities for Americans, have been met with significant political resistance.
- The American Enterprise Institute identified that about 0.3% of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in the West could support building over 1.5 million homes near existing cities.
- However, both Democrats and Republicans have opposed selling public lands for these purposes, emphasizing the importance of preserving federal lands for future generations.
- The lobby to create tech billionaires' network of libertarian dystopias is still in place, suggesting ongoing efforts to deregulate and develop public lands.
- In summary, the Freedom Cities movement is in an exploratory and promotional phase, with concrete plans proposed but significant opposition, particularly regarding the use of federal lands for these developments.
