The proposed 2026 budget by Trump seeks to cut nearly $4 billion from national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Seasonal workers at Yosemite National Park experienced working without pay for extended periods due to staffing chaos from cuts and confusion in hiring processes. Reports indicate that these workers felt exploited, particularly as the Trump administration's reductions led to a significant decline in permanent staff by 24%. The proposed cuts threaten the viability and operations of national parks, including possible closures of many sites run by the National Park Service.
Seasonal workers at Yosemite National Park faced exploitation, with some working up to six weeks without pay due to chaos from staffing cuts initiated by the Trump administration.
Park employees reported feeling taken advantage of, as love for their jobs led them to keep working despite not receiving any backpay after their initial unpaid labor.
Staffing reductions led to instability in hiring within the National Park Service, with permanent staff across the service declining by 24% since earlier in the year.
Budget cuts proposed by Trump's administration could severely limit the operational capacities of national parks, leading to potential closures and reduced visitor experiences at numerous sites.
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