Summary
The National Park Service (NPS) may face mass layoffs as part of the Interior Department's plan to reduce its workforce by more than 2,000 employees in one state. The announcement comes amid concerns of already low staffing levels in national parks. These job reductions follow President Trump's earlier government-wide staffing cuts and are part of broader changes during his administration.
Key Facts
- The Interior Department plans to lay off over 2,050 workers, with more than 270 from the NPS.
- The layoffs will affect park workers in the Southeast, Northeast, and Pacific West regions.
- National parks are partially open due to a U.S. government shutdown, with some facilities closed.
- Earlier this year, about 1,000 newly hired NPS employees were let go, and 5,000 seasonal jobs were initially rescinded but later reinstated.
- The layoffs are part of ongoing changes in the federal government since President Trump’s reelection.
- Federal government staffing reductions are overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency.
- National parks remain accessible, but buildings requiring staffing are closed.
- There is speculation that over 10,000 federal workers may be laid off due to the shutdown.
