In 2024, US national parks saw a record 331 million visitors, boosting local economies with their spending. Despite this, Trump and congressional Republicans plan to cut the National Park Service (NPS) budget by $1.2 billion in FY 2026. This is the largest proposed reduction in the agency's history, which would dismantle major programs and eliminate thousands of positions. Estimates indicate that such cuts could close 350 of the 433 NPS sites, reflecting a dramatic decrease in visitor services. Public polling shows overwhelming support for NPS funding, with only a small fraction favoring budget cuts.
The National Park Service is the most popular government agency, with just 7 percent of polled Americans rating it as unfavorable, demonstrating strong public support for federal park funding.
Trump's proposed FY 2026 budget would slash $1.2 billion from the National Park Service budget, the largest cut in the agency's 109-year history, impacting critical programs and staffing.
Estimates suggest that cuts to the National Park Service budget could lead to the closure of 350 out of 433 sites managed by the agency, significantly affecting public access.
Public sentiment strongly favors funding for the National Park Service, with only 17 percent of Americans supporting reductions in funding for the agency that manages federal lands.
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