The narrative presented in this article constructs Karen Budd-Falen as a central figure in a systemic conflict of interest within the Interior Department, leveraging her position to quietly advance the interests of the livestock industry. The core of the problem isn’t simply Budd-Falen’s ethics recusal – though that’s a critical starting point – but the demonstrable continuation of her involvement in grazing policies despite her stated restrictions, coupled with the opaque handling of associated...