Trump Pledges Action to Save Great Salt Lake

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Former President Donald Trump has pledged federal action to help save the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake in Utah. The state of Utah recently won a $30 million bid to take over the assets of the now-defunct US Magnesium facility on the lake, which includes nearly 145,000 acre-feet of water rights.

Why it matters

The Great Salt Lake has been steadily drying up due to drought and water diversions, posing an environmental crisis for the region. Trump's pledge of federal assistance could help provide critical resources to restore and preserve this important natural resource.

The details

The US Magnesium facility was a major contributor to the lake's declining water levels. By acquiring the facility's water rights, Utah aims to redirect that water back into the lake to help stabilize its levels and prevent further environmental damage.

• In February 2026, the state of Utah won a $30 million bid to take over the assets of the now-defunct US Magnesium facility on the Great Salt Lake.
• Former President Donald Trump has recently pledged federal action to help save the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake.

What’s next

The state of Utah plans to redirect the water rights acquired from the US Magnesium facility back into the Great Salt Lake to help stabilize its levels and prevent further environmental damage.