Trump's Gold Statues Impact Staffing and Funding in National Parks

WHO:

Alternet - President Donald Trump’s administration, National Park Service, Dan Wenk (retired superintendent of Yellowstone National Park), Fran P. Mainella (former Park Service leader under President George W. Bush), White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers.

WHAT:

Alternet - The Trump administration has shifted funding and workers from the National Park Service to projects in Washington, D.C.

Alternet - At least 20 percent of parks are significantly understaffed due to cuts in the Park Service workforce.

Alternet - The administration funneled at least $67 million generated by entrance fees from parks to fund projects in Washington.

Alternet - Hundreds of repairs and upgrades around the country may go unfunded this year.

Alternet - A proposal to trade away a small parcel of land in Yosemite National Park to a private developer has been made, which a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers pledged to block.

Alternet - The administration awarded a no-bid contract to cover four statues near the National Mall in 23.75-karat gold leaf.

Alternet - Nine ornamental fountains in Washington that had been dry for years were repaired.

WHERE:

Alternet - The 433 sites managed by the National Park Service across the United States.

Alternet - Washington, D.C., specifically near the National Mall.

Alternet - Yosemite National Park.

WHY:

Alternet - The funding shifts are to support pet projects favored by Trump, such as repairs to the Reflecting Pool.

Alternet - Fran P. Mainella suggested that Trump may not understand the value of parks to the public and the economy.

HOW:

Alternet - The administration has categorized about 1,500 projects at more than 200 sites nationwide as 'low priority' while prioritizing Washington sites.

(UPDATED September 19, 2026 16:00 UTC)

The Trump administration has redirected funding and personnel from the National Park Service to various projects in Washington, D.C., resulting in at least 20 percent of parks being significantly understaffed. This shift includes funneling at least $67 million from entrance fees to support initiatives like repairs to the Reflecting Pool, while hundreds of repairs and upgrades across the country may go unfunded this year. Additionally, a proposal to trade a small parcel of land in Yosemite National Park to a private developer has drawn the attention of a bipartisan group of 153 lawmakers who are committed to blocking it.