Since Theodore Roosevelt's 1903 Yosemite visit, presidents have valued national parks, but President Trump's administration has thrown the 433 National Park Service sites into turmoil. The administration shifted funding and workers to pet projects in Washington, slashed staff nationwide, and scrubbed exhibits deemed to "inappropriately disparage Americans." Early last year, steep workforce cuts left at least 20 percent of parks significantly understaffed. This spring, at least $67 million in entrance fees was diverted to Washington projects like the botched Reflecting Pool repairs, leaving hundreds of repairs unfunded.

A controversial proposal to trade Yosemite National Park land to a private developer drew opposition from 153 lawmakers who declared "public lands belong in public hands." Former Yellowstone superintendent Dan Wenk warned rebuilding will be "incredibly difficult." Former Park Service director Fran P. Mainella, a Republican, said Trump may not grasp parks' value. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers claimed Trump "loves our national parks," though it's unclear if he has ever visited one.

Interior Department spokeswoman Charlotte Taylor said the agency remains focused on its mission.