At a Rose Garden dinner for the hunting and fishing industry, President Trump celebrated an executive order loosening Biden-era fisheries and hunting restrictions and singled out Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. Trump joked that the policy would boost fishing-gear sales, then quipped he "could have banned fishing" and driven Morris "right the hell out of business." Morris, who bought Cabela's in 2017 and owns White River Marine Group, has donated to pro-Trump causes. The White House and Bass Pro Shops were contacted for comment.
Trump Jokes He Could "Ban Fishing" — Says He Could Put Bass Pro Out Of Business
President Donald Trump holds an executive order at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, September 17, 2026. / Annabelle Gordon / REUTERS
President Donald Trump on Thursday used a Rose Garden dinner for the hunting and fishing industry to tout an executive order rolling back Biden-era limits on federal fisheries and hunting regulations — and to single out Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris with an offhand, pointed quip.
The 80-year-old president addressed more than 100 guests from hunting, fishing and outdoor industries at the event, which Semafor reported included a bison dinner. Trump framed the executive order as an effort to "modernize federal fisheries" and eliminate "unnecessary restrictions" on hunters and anglers.
During introductions, Trump called on Johnny Morris, the 78-year-old founder and owner of Bass Pro Shops, to stand as the audience applauded. Forbes estimates Morris's net worth at more than $8 billion — roughly $1 billion higher than estimates of Trump's own wealth — and Morris and Trump have traded places on Forbes' billionaire list in past years.
Trump Praises Morris, Then Jokes About Using Power Against Him
Bass Pro Shop CEO Johnny Morris speaks in 2024. / Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images
Calling Morris a "great businessman," Trump repeatedly referenced him while explaining that the executive order expands fishing seasons and quotas. Addressing Morris directly, he quipped that the change would let Bass Pro "sell a lot of fishing rods."
"I could have made it so you couldn't sell... you couldn't sell anything," Trump said with a slight laugh. "I could have banned fishing. I'll tell you what, the power of this office is crazy. I could have banned fishing and driven Johnny right the hell out of business, OK."
Laughing, Trump added he might do a very short, symbolic ban "maybe just a quick one, just for a day or two, until he calls me and says 'please President please, you're putting me out of business, sir.'" He then returned to his prepared remarks.
The Daily Beast said it reached out to the White House and Bass Pro Shops for comment; neither response was included in initial reports.
Background On Morris And Donations
NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe (19) hugs Johnny Morris the owner of Bass Pro Shops in Victory Lane after winning the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2025. / Vasha Hunt / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Morris founded Bass Pro Shops in 1972 and expanded the business significantly when he acquired rival retailer Cabela's for about $5 billion in 2017. He also owns White River Marine Group, a major maker of fishing and recreational boats. Financial records and reporting indicate Morris donated $200,000 to Trump's 2020 campaign and $200,000 to the pro-Trump super PAC Turnout for America in 2024.
Confusion Over Ammunition Provision
Near the end of his remarks, Trump appeared uncertain about one provision of his executive order related to hunting: "Is ammunition — lead ammunition was a problem, huh? Is it better than other ammunition, I assume, huh?" he asked aloud, then added, "I don't know what the hell that means."
The exchange underscores both the political theater of the event and the real regulatory changes the White House has proposed. Observers noted the mix of policy talk, personal flourishes and humor — some of it pointed — during the address.
Help us improve.
