Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Federal Layoffs at National Parks

Demonstrators rally against thousands of National Park Service job cuts, citing threats to public lands, local economies, and park operations.

Protests were held at over 100 national parks, including Arches National Park and Indiana Dunes, opposing federal cuts to National Park Service staff initiated by the Trump administration and Elon Musk-led DOGE.
The layoffs, which began on February 14, 2025, have affected more than 5,000 federal public lands employees, including 1,000 National Park Service workers, with further cuts and potential office closures anticipated.
Critics argue the cuts will degrade park infrastructure, disrupt planned projects, and harm local economies reliant on tourism, particularly in communities like Moab, Utah.
Legal challenges have temporarily blocked additional layoffs, with a federal judge ruling that the Office of Personnel Management may have exceeded its authority in mandating the terminations.
Protesters emphasize the broader implications of the layoffs, warning of long-term damage to public lands and calling for greater protection of national parks and their staff.