Trump’s Budget Cuts Threaten National Parks
Key Takeaways:
- Proposed budget cuts could close over 80% of national parks.
- National parks attracted a record 332 million visitors in 2024.
- A $900 million reduction would devastate park operations and protections.
- The Park Service is already understaffed, with 13% of employees gone since January.
- Advocates warn this could destroy a century of conservation efforts.
National Parks Face an Uncertain Future
President Donald Trump’s plan to cut federal spending could severely hurt America’s national parks. These cuts might lead to the closure of more than 80% of the 433 parks and historic sites managed by the Park Service. This could dismantle protections for some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
The Numbers Show How Much Parks Matter
In 2023, 325 million people visited national parks, spending $26.4 billion in nearby towns. In 2024, visits hit a record high of 332 million. These numbers show how much people value these natural and cultural treasures.
What’s Happening Now
Even before the cuts, the Park Service was struggling. Its budget was only $3 billion, and since January, 13% of its staff has left due to buyouts, early retirements, or delayed resignations. This has left the system understaffed and underfunded.
The Worrying Proposal
The Trump administration wants to cut the Park Service’s budget by $900 million—nearly 30% of its funding. If this happens, most parks could close. Experts warn this would ruin a system that has protected America’s heritage for over 100 years.
Transferring Parks to States
Trump also wants to give control of less-visited parks to states and tribal governments. This could lead to inconsistent care and management, putting these lands at greater risk.
A Legacy in Danger
America’s national parks are seen as a global model for conservation. They preserve natural beauty and cultural history. Cutting their funding could harm this legacy, leaving future generations with fewer opportunities to enjoy these treasures.
Why This Matters
National parks are more than just beautiful places to visit. They support local economies, create jobs, and protect wildlife. Cutting their funding could have long-lasting effects on communities and ecosystems.
A Call to Action
Advocates are urging Americans to speak out against these cuts. They believe the public needs to fight for the future of national parks. As writer Wallace Stegner once said, national parks are “the best idea we ever had.”
Will the millions of people who love these parks let them disappear? Only time will tell. If the proposed cuts go through, America could lose a piece of its heritage that can never be replaced.