By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s proposed FY 2026 budget seeks to drastically cut the National Park Service’s budget by $1.2 billion, potentially leading to the closure of 350 out of 433 park sites. These cuts would significantly reduce spending per visitor and coincide with actions taken by the Trump administration, which have resulted in staff reductions and hindered visitor experience. Critics fear these actions are a precursor to the privatization of public lands, with the administration already taking steps to increase timber production and mining on federal land. Despite public disapproval and concerns from some Republicans, the administration’s policies continue to prioritize short-term financial gains over the long-term preservation of national parks.
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The US Public Loves the National Park Service. Trump Is Destroying It Anyway
The American public overwhelmingly adores its national parks. They’re a source of immense pride, attracting a record-breaking 331 million visitors in 2024, a figure roughly equivalent to the entire U.S. population. These parks not only provide breathtaking natural beauty but also fuel local economies, with visitors spending billions on lodging, dining, and travel. The National Park Service is consistently ranked as one of the most popular government agencies, with an impressive 7% unfavorable rating. People clearly value these parks and want to see them protected and funded, as evidenced by the mere 17% support for reduced funding. Yet, despite this widespread love and support, the National Park Service is facing a potential crisis.
The current administration is actively working to dismantle this cherished institution. The proposed budget for FY 2026 includes a staggering $1.2 billion cut from the National Park Service budget, the largest reduction in the agency’s 109-year history. This would devastate crucial programs, impacting everything from recreation and preservation to natural resource and cultural initiatives. It also entails cutting both seasonal and full-time positions, potentially eliminating over 5,500 jobs. The National Parks Conservation Association estimates that cuts of this magnitude could necessitate the closure of 350 of the 433 sites run by the NPS, which encompasses not only the 63 national parks but also historic sites, monuments, and more. Analysis indicates that these cuts could translate to an inflation-adjusted 55% reduction in spending per visitor compared to 2011 levels.
This budget proposal is just the latest in a series of actions aimed at undermining the agency. In fact, a non-profit tracked 56 actions damaging national parks and public lands that were taken since the start of the administration. These actions include weakening environmental protections and expanding logging, mining, and drilling operations. This approach echoes a clear disregard for the long-term preservation of these invaluable spaces. The public is being told one thing and then seeing another, for example, rangers are reportedly instructed to misrepresent staffing levels, and suppress historical facts during presentations.
The appointment of individuals with close ties to the fossil fuel industry raises serious concerns about the direction the Department of the Interior is heading. The hand over of significant control to someone who spent two decades in an oil rig company before working for the Department of the Interior and has no government experience, with his title altered to circumvent conflict-of-interest regulations, indicates a possible lack of concern for ethics and the interests of the public. Furthermore, the conflicting information given about the number of employees working within the Park Service further highlights the situation. These developments paint a picture of deliberate efforts to weaken the agency from within, potentially paving the way for privatization.
The potential consequences of these actions are dire. Former National Park Service Director and a former science advisor have warned that budget cuts and workforce reductions could be the first step towards privatizing the parks. If that happens, the parks will be marred by resorts, “ticketed bison petting zoos,” zip lines, and golf courses. The destruction of the National Park Service serves as a blatant example of placing short-term financial gains above the preservation of irreplaceable natural and historical resources. The administration’s approach is driven by transactional thinking, a prioritization of exploitation over conservation and public good, and a disregard for the values that the parks represent.
The motivation behind this seemingly destructive behavior is multifaceted. Some see it as a means to enrich private interests, while others perceive it as a way to dismantle something loved by those they consider political opponents. Some may believe that because these actions are not “financially beneficial” that it is justifiable to cut the service. The goal, no matter the cause, is the same: to tear down something cherished and of benefit to everyone, in exchange for personal gain. The long-term consequences will be devastating, leading to the degradation and loss of these national treasures for future generations.