Whether you’re an outdoorsman or not, you are probably aware of the retailer Patagonia. It is renowned not only for its quality outdoor gear but also for its outspoken stance on environmental and social issues, often pushing progressive policies and criticizing conservative ones. However, this self-righteous posturing hides the unsettling reality of Patagonia’s hypocrisy, as it funds groups linked to global terrorism while lecturing Americans on social and environmental justice.
Patagonia’s claimed advocacy is extensive and public, parading itself as a vocal advocate for climate change, conservation and sustainability. The company donates 1 percent of its total sales to environmental groups and takes high-profile actions to protect public lands. In 2017, Patagonia opposed the Trump administration’s efforts at Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, even taking legal action against the administration. Their website followed suit boldly declaring, "The President Stole Your Land," directly criticizing Trump’s policies. In addition, they boycotted the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City, Utah, to protest the state's decision to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument designation, leading to the relocation of the event and costing the local economy an estimated $45 million annually.
Yet, despite these grandiose gestures and self-congratulatory campaigns, a deeper look reveals a troubling contradiction.
In 2022, Yvon Chouinard announced the transfer of company ownership ($3 billion in assets and $100 million in annual profits) to a nonprofit and a trust, making “Earth the only shareholder.” Patagonia has consistently positioned itself as a leader in the fight against climate change, condemning actions that threaten environmental progress. This facade of environmental leadership extends to their political engagements.
Patagonia’s involvement in political processes has been overt. In the 2018 midterm elections, they endorsed Democratic candidates Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), citing their environmental records. In 2020, the company placed a hidden "Vote the Assholes Out" message on a limited-edition pair of shorts aimed at Trump and other politicians resistant to climate action and endorsed Joe Biden for president. Additionally, the company made election recommendations for 22 of the 35 senate seats and promoted voter participation through initiatives like Time to Vote.
However, Patagonia’s record of apparent advocacy is marred by disturbing associations. According to the Washington Examiner, Patagonia is connected to funding terrorism groups through its donations to certain environmental groups. Since 2016, Patagonia has sent over $139,000 to the Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ), linked to Palestinian terrorist groups such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). AFGJ supports projects like Samidoun, an Israeli-designated terrorist coalition, and Collectif Palestine Vaincra, which have ties to terrorist activities. After the October 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel, AFGJ increased its support for terrorist activities.
This raises urgent moral questions for any organization receiving funding from Patagonia. Groups like Captains for Clean Water, which aims to restore and protect Florida's water resources, should disavow Patagonia’s actions and return the funding.
This company’s actions have real-world consequences. Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has demonstrated a strong commitment to working with organizations like Captains for Clean Water. DeSantis vetoed Senate Bill 2508, which Captains for Clean Water and other groups opposed, claiming it would have reversed progress on Everglades restoration and water quality. One executive order prioritizes stronger Basin Management Action Plans to reduce nutrient pollution and allocates $100 million annually for priority projects to expedite water quality restoration in the Indian River Lagoon.
Captains for Clean Water Executive Director Daniel Andrews praised DeSantis for his "steadfast support of Everglades restoration" and vetoing the "bad water policy" SB 2508. The group often accompanies Gov. DeSantis at press conferences. Furthermore, DeSantis attended the Captains for Clean Water Skiff Challenge kickoff event, demonstrating his continued support for the organization's mission. Despite this, it has been revealed that Patagonia also funds Captains for Clean Water, having given thousands to Captains for Clean Water – most recently in 2023, according to online records.
Given his close collaboration with Captains for Clean Water, DeSantis's environmental initiatives should face scrutiny as to whose interests are being represented, raising questions about DeSantis’s vetting processes and the ethical implications of funding sources for environmental projects. Rep. Randy Fine recently stated on X, “I wouldn’t accept money from a group that funds #MuslimTerror. Neither should Captains for Clean Water. #ReturnAway”
The situation demands an immediate re-evaluation of alliances. While Gov. DeSantis has made strides in protecting Florida's water resources, his association with Captains for Clean Water, tainted by Patagonia's funding, undermines his credibility and raises serious ethical concerns.
Patagonia’s blatant hypocrisy—preaching social and environmental justice while financing groups linked to global terrorism—is indefensible. Politicians and organizations must take a firm stand against such duplicity. Those involved with Patagonia should publicly condemn their actions and return any tainted funds. Anything less is a tacit endorsement of terrorism and a betrayal of the principles Patagonia claims to uphold.
Matt Mackowiak is the president of Potomac Strategy Group, served in the Bush administration at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, on the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign, and was a senior communications aide to two U.S. Senators and a Governor.