The Trump administration has proposed trading a small parcel of land inside Yosemite National Park's western boundary to Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a private equity firm, to enable development on adjacent private property. The deal, first reported by NOTUS, would transfer federal land to a Kingsbarn-controlled entity in exchange for land of equivalent value elsewhere in California. Kingsbarn purchased two 40-acre parcels near the park in early 2024 for $4 million through its subsidiary Sanctuary at Yosemite. CEO Jeff Pori donated over $4,000 to Trump's 2024 campaign, and lobbyist Lanny Davis represents the firm.

Conservationists and former Park Service officials, including former Yosemite supervisor Don Neubacher, strongly oppose the swap, calling it a threat to the park's integrity. A similar proposal was rejected in the early 2000s. Davis argues the connector road would reduce pollution by shortening access, claiming an "environmentally superior development." Interior Department spokeswoman Aubrie Spady stated no final decision has been made and any exchange would follow federal laws and environmental review. Political appointees have reportedly prioritized the exchange for over a year, with potential funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund drawing criticism from Democratic Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff.