The Impact of Trump’s Policies on National Parks
By: Meagan Florian
The natural beauty of the United States is undeniably one of the country's greatest treasures, preserved through a vast network of national parks. These parks serve not only as a refuge for wildlife but also as a place for citizens and visitors to connect with and appreciate nature. However, during Donald Trump's second term of presidency, several policies and actions taken by his administration raised significant concerns regarding the protection of these invaluable areas.
Brief History of National Parks
The inception of the national parks began in the 19th century, a brainchild of visionaries who recognized the need to protect extraordinary landscapes. The first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872, thanks in part to the efforts of naturalist John Muir and President Ulysses S. Grant. However, it was President Theodore Roosevelt who truly championed the conservation movement in the early 20th century. A significant measure enacted by Roosevelt was the Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906. This legislation granted President Roosevelt and subsequent Presidents the authority to designate historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric sites, and various objects of historical or scientific importance located on federal land as national monuments. Known as the "Conservation President," (National Park Service 2016) Roosevelt significantly expanded the national park system by establishing five national parks (Crater Lake, Oregon; Wind Cave, South Dakota; Sullys Hill, North Dakota) and setting aside vast tracts of land as national monuments. His administration’s dedication to conservation laid the groundwork for future environmental stewardship, emphasizing the need to protect natural wonders for public enjoyment and ecological health.
This legacy continued to evolve, leading to the creation of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916. The NPS was tasked with overseeing the parks and ensuring their preservation for future generations. This foundational commitment to conservation has endured, highlighting the importance of protected lands not only for their beauty but for their ecological significance.
Deregulation and Resource Extraction
One of the most prominent aspects of Trump’s environmental policy was a strong push for deregulation. His administration prioritized economic growth and resource extraction over environmental protections, potentially putting national parks at risk. This included efforts to open up federal lands, including areas near national parks, for oil and gas drilling. A study by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) revealed that by comparing parks protected under the Antiquities Act with identified oil fields and mineral sites on Department of Energy maps, 13 national monuments were found to be "at risk" of losing their federal protections. Notably, this list included Devils Tower, the nation’s first national monument, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.
Further emphasizing this trend, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently announced the Secretarial Order titled “Unleashing American Energy.” This order mandates a 15-day internal review of oil, gas, and mining activities on public lands, which also encompasses national monuments designated under the Antiquities Act. These developments raise significant concerns about the future of protected areas and the balance between resource extraction and environmental preservation.
Budget Cuts and Staffing Reductions
Another area of concern was funding for the National Park Service. Trump's budget proposals frequently included cuts to national park budgets, which would have severe implications for maintenance, staffing, and visitor services. The Trump administration has let go roughly 1,000 recently hired employees from the National Park Service, who are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the parks, educating visitors, and carrying out various other duties. (DALY 2025 Feb 19) These cuts risked the ability of parks to manage infrastructure effectively, threatening both visitor safety and the preservation of natural resources. Many parks rely on federal funding to maintain trails, preserve historic buildings, and ensure that visitors have safe and enjoyable experiences.
Climate Change Stance
Trump's administration also took a stance against acknowledging climate change, which poses a significant threat to the natural landscapes and ecosystems within national parks. By withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and rolling back numerous environmental protections, the administration not only undermined global efforts to combat climate change but also jeopardized the biodiversity and integrity of park ecosystems. Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and more frequent natural disasters, such as wildfires, are directly influenced by climate change and represent growing challenges for park management.
Public Pushback and Advocacy
In response to these concerning trends, numerous advocacy groups and citizens rose to the occasion. Organizations such as the Sierra Club and the National Parks Conservation Association mobilized public opinion against the administration's policies. They emphasized the importance of preserving these lands for future generations and worked tirelessly to highlight the potential repercussions of Trump’s deregulation agenda. Public awareness campaigns, protests, and petitions rallied individuals who cherished national parks, pushing back against decisions that threatened their sanctity.
The Importance of Culture in Conservation Efforts
Conservation is often viewed through the lens of protecting natural resources, but it also encompasses the preservation of cultural heritage. National parks and protected areas serve as critical spaces where both nature and culture intersect. The National Park Foundation (NPF) supports programs and projects that connect people and parks to the important stories of America’s Indigenous people, places, and events. The landscapes within these parks are not just habitats for wildlife; they also embody the histories, traditions, and identities of the communities that have lived in harmony with these environments for generations. “National parks help preserve and connect people to Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Indigenous heritage – past and present.” (Native American History & Culture in Parks) Some of these sites include the Navajo National Monument, Glacier Bay National Park, Tumacácori National Historical Park, etc. Cultural conservation is essential for several reasons:
1. Preserving Indigenous Practices: Many protected areas are home to Indigenous communities whose cultural practices and knowledge are deeply intertwined with the surrounding ecosystems. Their traditional ecological knowledge can provide invaluable insights into sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
2. Historical Significance: National parks often contain sites of historical and archaeological importance, reflecting the stories of past communities. Preserving these sites ensures that we recognize and honor our collective history, allowing future generations to learn from it.
3. Enhancing Ecotourism: A culturally rich national park can attract visitors seeking both natural beauty and cultural experiences. This can enhance local economies and provide funding for conservation efforts while promoting respect for diverse cultures.
A Call for Conservation
As the nation moves forward, there remains a critical need for a strong commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. The lessons learned during Trump’s presidency underscore the importance of protecting our national parks from exploitation and neglect. It serves as a reminder that these lands are not just a backdrop for recreation but are vital ecosystems that require our protection.
The legacy of conservation established by leaders like Theodore Roosevelt is a guiding principle that continues to resonate today. We must advocate for policies that prioritize sustainability, conservation, and the well-being of our planet. By embracing this commitment, we can ensure that our national parks remain protected sanctuaries for future generations to explore and cherish.
A way you can help is sign the petition at act.npca.org
Resources:
Chen E. 2025 Feb 7. These 13 national monuments may be “at risk” of losing federal protections, advocates warn. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/national-parks/2025/02/07/national-park-monument-oil-gas-energy-risk/78245755007/.
Daly M. 2025 Feb 19. Trump Fires 1,000 National Park Workers, Raising Operational Concerns. TIME. https://time.com/7258430/national-parks-service-workers-fired-trump-doge-concerns/.
National Park Service. 2016. Theodore Roosevelt and the National Park System - Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service). Npsgov. https://www.nps.gov/thrb/learn/historyculture/trandthenpsystem.htm.
Native American History & Culture in Parks. National Park Foundation. https://www.nationalparks.org/theme/native-american-history-culture-in-parks.
Parks Group Responds to New Order Threatening National Monuments. 2025. National Parks Conservation Association. [accessed 2025 Feb 20]. https://www.npca.org/articles/6713-parks-group-responds-to-new-order-threatening-national-monuments.