National Park Service Faces 24% Staffing Cuts Amid Summer Visitor Impact

National parks across the United States are experiencing significant staffing shortages and service reductions under President Donald Trump's administration, impacting visitor experiences during peak seasons. Visitors have reported a stark absence of park rangers, limited trail maintenance, and the cancellation of educational programs at popular sites like Zion and Yosemite National Parks. Despite promises to hire thousands of seasonal workers to compensate for the layoffs resulting from the administration's federal workforce reductions, actual hiring numbers have fallen far short, with seasonal staff levels at historic lows. The National Park Service has seen a 24% decrease in full-time staff, the lowest in over two decades, exacerbating operational challenges such as delayed maintenance and earlier closure of facilities. Compounding the staffing crisis, the House of Representatives recently passed a budget reconciliation bill that cuts $267 million from national park staffing funds and expands oil and gas leasing near protected areas, raising concerns about environmental impacts and visitor safety. Advocates argue these decisions undermine the preservation and accessibility of America's public lands during a critical time when national parks rely heavily on adequate funding and staffing to serve millions of visitors.