National Park Service lost roughly one-quarter of its permanent staff
Reporting and findings
- reported
NPR reported that the National Park Service had lost roughly 25 percent of its permanent workforce through dismissals, resignations, and hiring constraints under the Trump-DOGE reduction drive.
- NPR: Trump's cuts to national parks are real but many visitors aren't seeing them yetPassages and source records documenting: National Park Service lost roughly one-quarter of its permanent staff
- documented
Elon Musk was the Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work.
- The White House: President Trump participates in a press conference with departing DOGE adviser Elon MuskAppointment or biography record identifying Elon Musk as Trump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- documented
Russell Vought was the Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director.
- United States Senate: Roll Call Vote 37: Confirmation of Russell VoughtAppointment or biography record identifying Russell Vought as Trump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
Summary and current status
The cuts reduced maintenance, interpretation, search-and-rescue support, and resource protection during peak visitation.
Parks were operating with reduced permanent staffing during summer 2025
People and organizations
- Russell VoughtTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB director
- Elon MuskTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE work
- Donald J. Trumppresident authorizing the administration action
- National Park Servicepublic-lands service subjected to workforce reductions
Relationships in this file
- Elon Muskreduced permanent park staffingNational Park Service
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed senior adviser who led DOGE workElon Musk
- Donald J. TrumpTrump-appointed OMB director and acting CFPB directorRussell Vought
Figures
National Park Service permanent-staff reductionroughly 25% Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- Permanent National Park Service workforce
- Period
- 2025-01-20 to 2025-07-24
- Method
- NPR synthesis of agency and workforce data.
- Uncertainty
- Staffing varied by park; seasonal hiring partly offset visitor-facing gaps.