Slashing Profits While Funding Losses—Why Cut What Returns $4 for Every $1?

I call into question the real reasons behind the recent actions taken against our national parks. These treasured public lands are not just natural wonders—they are economic drivers, cultural landmarks, and vital ecosystems. The decision to defund and undermine their protections is not only reckless but also economically unjustifiable. National parks generate over $26.4 billion in annual visitor spending, supporting 415,000 jobs and contributing $55.6 billion to the economy. These parks return $4 for every $1 invested. Reducing funding and access to these treasured sites not only harms the environment but also devastates local businesses reliant on tourism. Damaging Actions by the Trump Administration in 2025 • Lease Cancellations & Facility Closures: Over 30 National Park Service (NPS) properties face lease terminations, including visitor centers, law enforcement offices, and cultural sites. Closures of the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park visitor center, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park law enforcement office, and the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area headquarters will reduce public access and safety. • Staff Reductions & Public Safety Risks: Approximately 1,000 NPS employees have been laid off, cutting park rangers, maintenance workers, and cultural historians. These reductions raise concerns about visitor safety, park maintenance, and the protection of historical artifacts. • Increased Resource Extraction: The administration has prioritized oil drilling, logging, and mining on or near national parks, including Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, threatening fragile ecosystems and wildlife. • Cuts to Environmental Protections: The Endangered Species Committee (“God Squad”) is being considered to override protections for at-risk species in national parks, making way for more industrial development. • Defunding of Historic & Cultural Sites: Parks like Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park have suffered budget cuts, affecting preparations for national celebrations and reducing educational programs. Call to Action The National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 mandates that national parks be preserved “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” The Trump administration’s policies directly violate this principle. I urge you to investigate these damaging actions and advocate for the restoration of funding, staffing, and protections for our national parks. Our parks are not just scenic landscapes—they are economic engines, historical landmarks, and vital ecosystems that must be safeguarded. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response on how YOU plan to resolve this issue.