National parks begin to feel the budget cuts in park operations. Graphic by Anna Gritzenbach.
REESE PARADOWSKI | OPINION EDITOR | rparadowski@butler.edu
Since the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 as the first U.S. national park, many presidents across all political ideologies implemented policies and laws to protect and preserve public land for generations to come.
From former President Theodore Roosevelt’s Antiquities Act of 1906 to former President Jimmy Carter’s Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, presidents have the privilege and moral obligation to conserve America’s natural resources.
But President Trump simply does not care about protecting and preserving public land, seeing that his administration has cut over $260 million in federal funding since his second inauguration, thanks to the “One Big Beautiful Bill”.
The National Park Service (NPS) is a bureau in the U.S. Department of the Interior, and is responsible for overseeing 433 overall sites — including the 63 national parks — across 85 million acres of land. Since January 2025, the NPS has lost 24% of its workforce due to the Trump administration’s so-called cost-cutting initiatives through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Patrick Doorhy, a sophomore theatre and marketing double major, visited six national parks this summer and noted issues within the parks.
“I noticed some of the bathrooms were disgusting, just absolutely filthy,” Doorhy said. “It was also hard to get a hold of a ranger if you needed help or recommendations.”
Massive staff shortages leave parks vulnerable to maintenance issues and neglect. Without an adequate number of park rangers, custodians, laborers, public safety officers and scientists, parks do not have the resources to fully flourish as a positive environment for wildlife and visitors.
Despite recent staff shortages, the NPS has a 76% approval rating, making it the highest approved federal agency, topping even NASA and USPS. Yet, its $3.58 billion annual budget is a meager one-fifteenth of one percent of the 2025 national budget.
The Trump administration plans to slash another third of that budget — over $1 billion — in 2026.
Not only is President Trump responsible for the financial nightmare national parks are now in, but he also signed an executive order that forces the NPS to remove any signs and exhibits from national parks and monuments that promote a “corrosive ideology,” including the well-known “Scourged Back” portrait — which depicts a formerly enslaved man’s back, covered with whipping scars, used by abolitionists in the Civil War era.
Emmy Norton, a sophomore anthropology and history major, explained the cultural significance of national parks.
“There is a lot of underlying history and historical events that happened [at national parks],” Norton said. “Especially rich history that is non-colonial and dates back to before settlers arrived. If we start to destroy that, it can get lost, and people won’t understand where these national parks came from and why we have them.”
The whitewashing and censoring of history has become an epidemic in American politics, with conservatives initiating a culture war in school curriculum and beyond in a desperate attempt to imitate President Trump.
It’s obvious the current administration cannot grasp the deeper understanding of the cultural, conservational and educational impact of national parks, let alone their massive economic revenue and employment. The proof is in the numbers, but they choose to turn the other cheek.
In 2024, NPS brought in $56.3 billion in economic output, as well as supported over 340,000 jobs internally and externally.
As of publication on Oct. 15, the U.S. government has been shut down for two weeks. Many federal workers are bringing home a blank paycheck, including NPS employees. Per the NPS Contingency Plan, trails remain open, but limited staff are on site.
“At parks without accessible areas, the NPS will not operate parks during the [shutdown,]” NPS said. “ …No visitor services will be provided. The NPS will not issue permits, conduct interpretive or educational programs, collect trash, operate or provide restrooms, maintain roads and walkways (including plowing and ice melting) or provide visitor information.”
People from all walks of life travel to national parks to experience the undeniable beauty of America — attracting over 330 million visitors annually. My advice for those who have the power to influence the NPS budget: go experience it for yourself, and see what you’re actively neglecting and abusing.
“What you do is to keep it for your children, your children’s children, and for all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American . . . should see.” — Theodore Roosevelt, Presidential Address at the Grand Canyon, 1903.
