Zinke, Patagonia trade harsh words over national monuments

U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and outdoor retail giant Patagonia have traded harsh words over the Trump administration's plans to shrink several national monuments — an opening salvo in a legal battle that could last for years. The California-based company replaced its usual home page with a stark message, "The President Stole Your Land." Patagonia called Trump's action illegal and described it as the largest elimination of protected land in American history. Zinke shot back Tuesday, calling the claim "nefarious, false and a lie." He told reporters the land targeted by Trump remains protected because it is still under federal control. "I understand fundraising for these special interest groups," Zinke said. "I think it's shameful and appalling that they would blatantly lie in order to gain money in their coffers." AP