Overview

• President Trump’s mid-July tax legislation reduced National Park Service funding by $267 million.
• Park staffing has fallen 24% since 2017, triggering long lines, overflowing trash cans and scientists reassigned to maintenance tasks.
• The administration aims to recoup $90 million by increasing entry fees for foreign visitors.
• National parks generated a record $55.6 billion for the U.S. economy in 2023 and supported more than 415,000 jobs, data highlighted by Offerman.
• Offerman channeled his Ron Swanson persona on The Daily Show to reignite public debate over conservation funding and park stewardship.