Violent clashes between anti-ICE protesters and law enforcement have erupted across California, prompting President Trump to demand immediate action against masked demonstrators. The unrest began over the weekend in Los Angeles and has since spread to San Francisco.
According to the New York Post, Trump took to Truth Social with forceful demands: "ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!" and "Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!" The president's statements came after signing a presidential memorandum to deploy 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles.
The confrontations began Saturday near a Home Depot in the predominantly Latino city of Paramount when protesters started hurling rocks and cement at Border Patrol vehicles following ICE enforcement operations. Federal agents responded with tear gas, flash bang explosives, and pepper balls in attempts to control the situation.
By Sunday, the protests had intensified, with approximately 2,000 demonstrators taking over a major highway in downtown Los Angeles. Rioters set self-driving cars ablaze and launched fireworks at police officers in chaotic scenes that overwhelmed local law enforcement.
The LAPD chief admitted his officers were "overwhelmed" by the violence and vandalism after three consecutive days of demonstrations. Trump referenced this in another social media post, writing that Chief Jim McDonnell had stated protesters were becoming "very much more aggressive" and that he would "have to reassess the situation" regarding military deployment.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened further military intervention, warning that "if violence continues, active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized — they are on high alert." The Department of Defense indicated it had 500 Marines ready to deploy if the unrest persists.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed back against the president's actions, calling the decision to deploy National Guard troops "purposefully inflammatory" and vowing legal action against the administration.
Newsom later urged protesters to remain peaceful, suggesting the federal government wanted to provoke a spectacle. This stance has intensified the already contentious relationship between California's state leadership and the Trump administration regarding immigration enforcement policies.
Trump responded by criticizing both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, threatening that "if Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass couldn't do their jobs then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!"
The demonstrations have now reached San Francisco, where protesters have damaged buildings and violently clashed with riot police. San Francisco Police reported that two officers were injured during confrontations in the city's financial district.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie addressed the situation on social media, emphasizing his commitment to public safety while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest. "Everyone in this country has a right to make their voice heard peacefully, and local law enforcement will always protect that right and the rights of everyone in our city to be safe," he stated.
Lurie confirmed approximately 60 arrests had been made in San Francisco and condemned the violence, saying, "We will never tolerate violent and destructive behavior, and as crowds dwindled, a group that remained caused injuries to police officers, vandalized Muni vehicles and broke windows of local businesses."
The protests have heightened tensions between federal and state authorities as immigration enforcement remains a divisive political issue during Trump's presidency. The violent demonstrations represent one of the most significant challenges to his administration's immigration policies.
The confrontations in Los Angeles have resulted in property damage, including burned vehicles, vandalized businesses, and disrupted transportation. Images from the scene show protesters waving Mexican flags amid smoke and flames from burning cars, including autonomous Waymo vehicles that were targeted and set ablaze.
As the situation develops, Trump continues to pressure local officials to accept federal intervention. The president's demands for arrests of masked protesters and deployment of military forces underscores his administration's hardline approach to immigration enforcement and civil unrest.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has issued a stern warning to California Governor Gavin Newsom after the Democrat threatened to withhold federal tax payments amid an escalating dispute over transgender athletes in school sports. The confrontation began when President Donald Trump vowed to impose "large scale fines" on California for allowing a biological male to compete in girls' sports competitions.
According to Fox Business, Bessent condemned Newsom's suggestion as "extremely reckless" and warned that such actions would constitute criminal tax evasion, potentially leaving California residents and businesses liable for unpaid federal taxes.
The dispute centers on transgender athlete AB Hernandez, who recently won first place in the girls' high jump and triple jump events at the California state competition while taking second in the long jump. California's Interscholastic Federation had amended its rules to accommodate transgender athletes by allowing four finalist spots instead of three in events where Hernandez earned medals.
Trump triggered the confrontation with a post on Truth Social, declaring, "A Biological Male competed in California Girls State Finals, WINNING BIG, despite the fact that they were warned by me not to do so." The president added that Governor "Gavin Newscum fully understands, large scale fines will be imposed!"
Newsom responded by threatening to withhold California's substantial contribution to federal coffers. "Californians pay the bills for the federal government," Newsom wrote on X. "We pay over $80 BILLION more in taxes than we get back. Maybe it's time to cut that off, @realDonaldTrump."
Bessent quickly moved to counter Newsom's threat, posting on X that such actions would constitute tax evasion and defraud American taxpayers. The Treasury Secretary wrote that he was "certain most California businesses know that failing to pay taxes owed to the Treasury constitutes tax evasion and have no intention of following the dangerous path Governor @GavinNewsom is threatening."
Bessent's warning to California officials was particularly pointed, suggesting they could face personal consequences for following through on Newsom's threat. His message targeted state officials specifically, including payroll managers who might be involved in implementing such a policy.
"I would warn state officials, including payroll managers, that federal law attaches personal liability to an attempt to evade or defeat tax," Bessent stated in his social media post, elevating the stakes for any California official who might consider implementing Newsom's suggestion.
Instead of pursuing what he called "criminal tax evasion," Bessent suggested California adopt tax policies more aligned with Trump's approach. "Governor Newsom should consider a tax plan for California that follows the Trump Tax Cuts model and reduces the onerous state tax burden to allow families to keep more of their hard-earned money," he advised.
The California Interscholastic Federation's accommodation for transgender athletes has already drawn federal scrutiny. The Department of Justice has launched a probe into potential Title IX violations regarding California's policy on transgender athletes in girls' sports.
This federal investigation comes in addition to an ongoing Department of Education inquiry that began in February. The multiple federal investigations highlight the growing tension between state and federal authorities over the issue of transgender athletes participation in school sports.
The recent state competition showcased the Federation's compromise approach. Hernandez had to share podium spots with female athletes who finished one position behind after the finals on Saturday, a temporary change that granted female athletes qualification and podium finishes they would have earned had a biological male not competed.
The unprecedented threat to withhold federal tax payments marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and California. Newsom's suggestion that the state might leverage its substantial federal tax contributions represents a novel approach to state resistance.
California's economic power gives particular weight to Newsom's threat. The state recently overtook Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, underscoring its financial significance both nationally and globally. This economic clout has emboldened California's leadership in challenging federal policies.
Bessent's characterization of Newsom's proposal as "extremely reckless" highlights the Biden administration's view that such actions would cross a fundamental line in federal-state relations, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis over tax authority and collection.
Florida Republican leader Ileana Garcia has publicly criticized President Trump's immigration enforcement strategy, highlighting growing tension within the party over recent deportation practices. In a strongly worded social media post, the state senator and Latinas for Trump co-founder declared the administration's tactics "unacceptable and inhumane."
According to The Hill, Garcia took aim at what she described as "arbitrary measures" targeting immigrants who are following legal procedures, including those with credible fear claims who are attending their scheduled immigration hearings.
The Republican state senator specifically objected to reports that immigration officials in southern Florida have been making arrests in immigration courts and targeting individuals who are otherwise complying with legal orders. Her rebuke represents a significant break from a prominent Trump ally on one of the president's signature policy initiatives.
Garcia expressed her continued general support for Trump while drawing a clear line regarding current enforcement tactics. Her criticism directly targeted Stephen Miller, the White House homeland security adviser and deputy chief of staff, who has been a driving force behind the administration's immigration policies.
"I understand the importance of deporting criminal aliens, but what we are witnessing are arbitrary measures to hunt down people who are complying with their immigration hearings—in many cases, with credible fear of persecution claims—all driven by a Miller-like desire to satisfy a self-fabricated deportation goal," Garcia wrote on social platform X.
The Florida state senator emphasized her longstanding support for Trump while making it clear she could not back the current approach, declaring, "This is not what we voted for." Her comments reflect growing concerns among some Republicans about the humanitarian impacts of the administration's deportation strategy.
The White House quickly responded to the criticism, defending its policies as both legally sound and politically popular. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson emphasized that all deportation proceedings include due process protections.
"Any illegal alien who is deported from the United States receives due process, and if they have pending asylum claims they are adjudicated by USCIS prior to any removal," Jackson stated in response to the criticism. The administration appears determined to maintain its aggressive enforcement posture despite the internal party dissent.
Jackson also cited electoral support for the policy, noting that "President Trump was the first Republican Presidential candidate in nearly 40 years to win Miami-Dade county, and polling ahead of the election showed massive support among Hispanic voters for deportations." The administration characterized its actions as fulfilling campaign promises that voters endorsed.
Garcia's comments follow similar concerns expressed by Rep. María Elvira Salazar, another Florida Republican who has been vocal about the administration's immigration enforcement. Salazar described herself as "heartbroken" over recent actions that have "left thousands exposed to deportation."
The congresswoman specifically defended the right to due process for asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing what she described as "the three most brutal regimes in our hemisphere" – Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. She characterized these countries as "sworn enemies of the United States," suggesting the administration's approach could be counterproductive.
Both Garcia and Salazar have indicated they plan to engage directly with administration officials on the issue. Salazar announced upcoming meetings with White House representatives, while Garcia stated firmly that she "will not stand down" in her opposition to the current tactics.
Garcia's criticism appears deeply rooted in her personal background and constituency. As she explained in her statement, her perspective is informed by her heritage and the district she represents.
"As the state senator who represents her district and the daughter of Cuban refugees, who are now just as American, if not more so than Stephen Miller, I am deeply disappointed by these actions," Garcia wrote in her social media post. This personal framing adds emotional weight to her policy objections.
The public break between the Trump administration and prominent Latino Republican supporters in Florida highlights growing tensions over immigration enforcement. While both Garcia and Salazar expressed support for deporting individuals with criminal records, they have drawn a line at targeting those following legal procedures or seeking asylum.
An Australian journalist found herself directly in the line of fire while covering the escalating unrest in Los Angeles. Nine's US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet by riot police as violent protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies continued for a third day.
According to the Daily Mail, the incident occurred Sunday evening as Tomasi was reporting live on the "rapidly deteriorating" situation in downtown Los Angeles. The shocking moment was captured on camera, showing Tomasi doubling over in pain after being struck.
Just seconds before being hit, Tomasi had informed viewers that "The LAPD are moving in on horseback and firing rubber bullets at protesters" and that police were "moving them (protesters) on through the heart of LA." Several loud bangs were heard in the distance before a police officer turned his weapon toward her position and fired.
The confrontation sparked immediate outrage from nearby protesters, with one person clearly heard yelling at law enforcement, "You just f***ing shot a reporter." Despite the close-range impact, Tomasi quickly attempted to reassure concerned bystanders by repeatedly shouting, "I'm good, I'm good."
Nine Network later confirmed that their correspondent was "left sore but otherwise unharmed" by the rubber bullet. The broadcaster did not indicate whether they would file any formal complaint regarding the incident, which highlights the increasing dangers facing journalists covering the widespread civil unrest.
This shooting comes as law enforcement tactics face growing scrutiny amid the intensifying demonstrations. The LAPD has authorized the "use of less lethal munitions" to regain control of the city as violence has continued to spread through downtown areas and onto major roadways.
President Donald Trump has taken decisive action by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to the city and placing an additional 500 Marines on standby. The federal response has created further political tension between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The escalating conflict has sparked a heated public exchange between the two leaders. Newsom has accused Trump of intentionally inflaming tensions through his immigration policies, while Trump responded on Sunday with a Truth Social post demanding apologies from both Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
In his statement, Trump rejected characterizations of the participants as "peaceful protesters," instead labeling them as "troublemakers and insurrectionists." This language echoes terminology previously used during other periods of civil unrest and indicates the administration's hardline approach to the situation.
Law enforcement officials faced significant challenges containing protests that spilled onto the 101 Freeway, where more than 2,000 demonstrators blocked both northbound and southbound lanes. The highway takeover trapped motorists in standstill traffic as protesters marched with flags and signs.
The situation became increasingly dangerous for police as protesters began throwing "concrete, bottles and other objects" at officers in the Alameda and Temple areas. At least two officers required medical treatment after being injured when motorcyclists drove through crowds and ran over authorities, with both riders subsequently detained.
Additional violent incidents included officers reportedly being struck by fireworks while attempting to disperse crowds. Some protesters were also observed carrying provocative displays, including what were described as 3D creations of Trump's severed head mounted on poles, further illustrating the hostile nature of the demonstrations.
The widespread demonstrations that led to Tomasi's injury are directly linked to President Trump's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and increased raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These policies have triggered passionate opposition throughout California.
Downtown Los Angeles has been particularly hard hit, with protesters creating blockades using chained furniture and other objects to disrupt traffic flow. More alarming scenes included vehicles being set ablaze, releasing toxic smoke as violence continued into its third day across multiple neighborhoods.
The confrontation between Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi and LAPD officers underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing protests against Trump's immigration policies. While Nine Network confirmed their correspondent escaped serious injury, the incident highlights the increasing dangers facing journalists covering civil unrest as tensions between federal authorities and California leaders continue to escalate.
Vice President JD Vance has weighed in on the escalating conflict between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk, characterizing the public spat as detrimental to both parties and the nation. During a candid conversation on Theo Von's podcast, Vance expressed hope for reconciliation despite the increasingly hostile exchanges between the former allies.
According to The Daily Caller, Vance made it clear where his loyalties lie while still acknowledging Musk's contributions. The vice president praised Musk's entrepreneurial accomplishments and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative but emphasized his primary allegiance remains with President Trump.
The interview comes after days of increasingly bitter public exchanges between Trump and Musk, culminating in explosive allegations from the Tesla CEO that were later deleted from social media. Vance's comments represent the first major administration response attempting to defuse the situation.
Vance suggested Musk's political inexperience may be contributing to the conflict. He noted that the tech entrepreneur has faced significant backlash since becoming more politically active, including attacks on his businesses.
"Elon's new to politics... his businesses are being attacked nonstop, they're literally like firebombing some of his cars, and by the way, we're looking into a lot of this stuff," Vance explained during the interview. "I think part of it is this guy got into politics and has suffered a lot for it, and I get the frustration there."
The vice president acknowledged Musk's frustrations while still maintaining that the public criticism of Trump was misguided. He expressed concern that the feud could have negative consequences not only for the country but for Musk personally.
The public disagreement erupted Tuesday when Musk harshly criticized Trump's signature spending legislation, which he characterized as a "disgusting abomination" in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it," Musk wrote on the platform he owns.
The tech billionaire further claimed the bill would increase national debt by $2.5 trillion and predicted that Trump's tariff policies would trigger a recession before year's end. The criticisms struck at the heart of Trump's economic policy agenda, prompting a swift response from the president.
President Trump responded by accusing Musk of hypocrisy, claiming the tech entrepreneur had been fully informed about the legislation's contents before its passage. According to Trump, Musk only objected after learning about planned cuts to electric vehicle mandates.
"I'm very disappointed because Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here... he had no problem with it. All of a sudden he had a problem and he only developed the problem when he found out we're going to have cut the EV mandate," Trump stated during a press briefing.
The conflict quickly intensified, with Musk eventually making explosive allegations about Trump's connection to Jeffrey Epstein in a post he later deleted. This marked a significant escalation in the feud between the two influential figures.
Vance emphasized throughout the interview that he believes the ongoing conflict serves neither party well and damages the country's interests. The vice president expressed hope that Musk would eventually return to working with the administration.
"My hope is, [Musk] comes back, says 'look, made some mistakes, didn't mean to say everything, let's smooth it out and let's all be friends,' because again I care about the country, and I think the country's better off under the president's leadership, Elon's helping us out as opposed to fighting the administration," Vance stated.
He concluded the interview by reiterating his desire to see the conflict resolved quickly, noting that neither he nor President Trump wants continued hostility with the influential tech entrepreneur who had previously been a key supporter of the administration.
Colonel Bree Fram, one of the highest-ranking transgender military officials, has delivered a defiant message after being placed on administrative leave from her Pentagon post. Her removal comes as President Trump's reinstated ban on transgender service members begins implementation across the armed forces.
According to Daily Mail, Fram posted on Instagram Friday announcing she had been "officially placed on administrative leave, effective tomorrow, pending separation" following the Supreme Court's decision allowing the transgender military ban to proceed. Fram, an astronautical engineer in the US Space Force, had been serving as the Pentagon's division chief for requirements integration.
In her emotional social media post, Fram described her final day in uniform, writing that "the last salute broke my heart in two and the tears flowed freely" after pinning medals on three service members. Despite the personal setback, she expressed gratitude for her military career, calling it "the honor of a lifetime to serve this nation and defend the freedoms and opportunities we have as Americans."
Fram came out as transgender in 2016 when the initial ban on transgender troops was lifted during the Obama administration. Her Instagram profile picture features a rainbow version of the Space Force logo, symbolizing her advocacy for LGBT service members.
In her farewell message, Fram detailed the day she revealed her gender identity to colleagues, recalling how teammates responded by shaking her hand and saying, "It's an honor to serve with you." She experienced a similar reaction last week when announcing her departure at a joint staff meeting, describing how senior leaders, including admirals and generals, approached her with the same words, "now tinged with the sadness of past tense."
Prior to her removal, Fram had been posting profiles of transgender service members on social media, highlighting their accomplishments with the tagline "Happens to Be Trans." In comments to Stars and Stripes, she explained that her recent work focused on "defining the future capabilities that we're going to need to win wars far into the future," underscoring the professional expertise being lost through the policy.
The Supreme Court's decision in early May allowed Trump's ban on troops with gender dysphoria to stand, lifting a lower court's pause on the policy. This emergency ruling enables the Department of Defense to continue removing transgender service members while legal challenges proceed in lower courts.
President Trump signed an executive order on January 20 directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to implement the ban on "individuals with gender dysphoria" serving in the military. Initially, District Judge Benjamin Settle in Washington state had ruled the ban violated constitutional equal protection guarantees and barred its enforcement.
After the Trump administration's appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court was rejected, they took the case to the Supreme Court, arguing the lower court ruling was "contrary to military readiness and the Nation's interests." The Supreme Court's decision was not signed, though liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson indicated they would have ruled against Trump.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrated the Supreme Court's decision, stating: "Another MASSIVE victory in the Supreme Court! President Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth are restoring a military that is focused on readiness and lethality – not DEI or woke gender ideology."
The Defense Department's February 26 policy details that "the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service." This represents a reversal of President Biden's 2021 executive order that had overturned Trump's initial ban.
Commander Emily Shilling, who along with six other transgender service members challenged the order, stated during an April appearance at the LGBT Community Center dinner: "I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. That oath requires obedience to lawful orders. But when an order undermines the very principles I swore to uphold, I have the responsibility to challenge it."
Colonel Fram's situation highlights the personal impact of the policy change on thousands of transgender military personnel. As one of the most visible transgender officers, her removal signals the beginning of what could be widespread separations from service.
In her Instagram post, Fram emphasized her commitment to speaking for fellow transgender service members who lack her platform. "It is almost a duty and an obligation to speak on their behalf because it is my privilege to do so and to hopefully represent transgender service members well that do not have the privilege that comes along with the rank and the experience that I do," she told Stars and Stripes.
The Pentagon's February memo also ordered a pause on gender-transitioning medical procedures for active duty service members and halted new accessions for individuals with a history of gender dysphoria. Trump and Hegseth have maintained that the extra care required for transgender service members undermines military readiness, a position rejected by advocacy groups and affected personnel.
In what reads like a plot from a spy thriller, UFO conspiracy theories surrounding Area 51 were deliberately planted by Pentagon officials to divert attention from classified military technology. The revelation comes from a bombshell Department of Defense review that uncovered decades of government disinformation campaigns.
According to a New York Post report, a Pentagon investigation found that in the 1980s, an Air Force colonel visited a Nevada bar near Area 51 and provided the owner with fabricated flying saucer photos. The retired colonel later admitted to investigators that he was carrying out an official mission to conceal the true purpose of the site.
The covert operation aimed to hide the development of the F-117 Nighthawk, the world's first stealth warplane. Military strategists determined that burying their advanced technology beneath layers of alien conspiracy theories would effectively shield it from Soviet intelligence during the Cold War.
The bombshell findings emerged from the work of Sean Kirkpatrick, who in 2022 became the first director of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). His team was tasked with investigating decades of UFO reports and theories that had circulated throughout American culture.
Kirkpatrick's investigation revealed that several prominent UFO conspiracy theories originated within the Defense Department itself. The report details how government agencies intentionally amplified extraterrestrial narratives to create smokescreens around sensitive military projects and testing sites.
The Pentagon even maintained a bizarre hazing ritual where new officers received fake briefings about a nonexistent "Yankee Blue" unit that supposedly investigated alien aircraft. Recipients were ordered never to discuss the information, with many never learning they had been deceived. This practice continued until the DOD finally ordered it to stop in 2023.
Robert Salas, a former Air Force captain, presents a particularly striking case of how government secrecy created UFO believers. In 1967, Salas witnessed what he believed was a UFO descending over a Montana nuclear missile testing site, where it supposedly disabled ten nuclear missiles and all electrical systems.
Ordered to never discuss the incident, Salas maintained for decades that he had witnessed alien visitors intervening in Cold War tensions. However, Kirkpatrick's team discovered the truth: Salas had actually witnessed a failed electromagnetic pulse test designed to assess whether American missile silos could withstand radiation from nuclear attacks.
Military officials, concerned about revealing this vulnerability, deliberately left Salas and other witnesses in the dark. Without explanation, these witnesses were left to form their own conclusions, which inevitably led to theories about extraterrestrial intervention.
The 2024 report by the Pentagon confirms multiple instances where government agencies exploited UFO mythology to protect military assets. However, many details remain classified, with officials acknowledging that not everything discovered by the AARO has been made public.
The Department of Defense has issued a statement affirming its commitment to greater transparency moving forward. "The department is committed to releasing a second volume of its Historical Record Report, to include AARO's findings on reports of potential pranks and inauthentic materials," the statement reads.
These revelations raise significant questions about newly released Pentagon UFO footage, including 2020 recordings from Navy pilots that garnered substantial public attention. The findings suggest that some modern-day UFO reports may similarly serve as cover for classified technology.
The Pentagon's strategic disinformation campaign centered around Area 51 succeeded in creating one of America's most enduring conspiracy theories. By fabricating evidence of alien visitation, military officials effectively concealed the development of stealth technology that would revolutionize modern warfare.
The investigation found that the best way to hide sensitive military projects was often in plain sight, buried beneath fantastical theories that most serious observers would dismiss. This strategy proved remarkably effective, protecting the F-117 Nighthawk program from Soviet intelligence throughout its development.
As more details emerge from the Pentagon's review, the public may soon learn about additional instances where government agencies deliberately fueled conspiracy theories for national security purposes. The upcoming follow-up report, scheduled for release later this year, promises to reveal even more about how military officials manipulated public perception around unexplained phenomena.
President Trump's budget proposal containing steep cuts to the National Park Service has sparked significant pushback from members of his own party. Several key Republican lawmakers have expressed worry about the administration's plan to slash NPS operations by 30 percent and transfer certain park sites to state control.
According to The Hill, the administration has proposed reducing the park service's operations and staffing budgets by nearly a third while also suggesting that some NPS sites be transferred to state management.
The budget plan includes a 19 percent reduction in visitor services, a 39 percent cut to facility operations and maintenance, and a staggering 51 percent decrease in resource stewardship, which covers the protection of unique natural and historical features within the park system.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who chairs the House appropriations subcommittee responsible for NPS funding, described the administration's proposed cuts as "concerning" and indicated his committee needs more information about how the changes would affect park operations.
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), who represents a state home to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, emphasized his position as a "strong supporter" of national parks and his desire to ensure they receive adequate funding. Daines, facing reelection next year, suggested the congressional appropriations process would ultimately "sort all this out."
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior Department funding, questioned how the cuts align with the administration's stated economic priorities, saying it's "hard to square it with the claims that DOI is focused on fostering the American economy."
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has attempted to reassure lawmakers that the proposed cuts would not eliminate park rangers or wildland firefighters, instead focusing on reducing administrative positions.
Burgum stated his priorities during a recent Senate hearing, emphasizing his desire to maintain frontline park workers while reducing overhead costs. "I want more people in the parks, whether they're driving a snowplow in the wintertime or whether they're working with [an] interpreter in the summertime or they're doing trail work. … I want more of that. I want less overhead," he said.
The Interior Secretary has also clarified that none of the nation's 63 "crown jewel" national parks would be transferred to states. Instead, he indicated that sites under consideration for transfer are primarily "historic sites, cultural sites that … have got low visitation … that might better fit into a state, historic society site or some other designation."
Former NPS employees have warned that the proposed cuts to administrative staff could have serious consequences for park operations, particularly during emergencies like wildfires when displaced workers need immediate assistance with accommodations and other support.
The dramatic 51 percent reduction in resource stewardship funding could directly affect visitor experiences, according to a former park service employee. This funding ensures clean air and water in parks, impacts the safety of activities like swimming and fishing, and supports planning for climate change and other future challenges.
The cuts come as parks are already experiencing staffing shortages. At Yosemite National Park, seasonal hiring delays have reportedly forced scientists, IT workers, and rangers to clean bathrooms, while other parks have had to close visitor facilities.
The Trump administration's proposed cuts to the National Park Service are part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending and create what officials describe as leaner, more efficient agencies.
The National Parks Conservation Association estimates that 13 percent of NPS staff positions are already vacant due to previous administration initiatives like buyouts, early retirement, and deferred resignation programs. Critics warn that additional cuts would only worsen existing operational challenges.
Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America's Parks and a 41-year NPS veteran, predicted widespread impacts if the proposed cuts are implemented. "There won't be as many rangers, won't be as many maintenance people. … There will be some closures in picnic areas," he said, adding, "It's a widespread issue that's going to affect every park, I think, in the country. I don't think it will be popular."
Terry Moran, ABC News' senior national correspondent, was suspended after an aggressive social media post targeting White House adviser Stephen Miller amid high tensions over border disputes in Los Angeles.
As reported by the New York Post, ABC News cited concerns over objectivity and impartiality as the reason for Moran's suspension following his late-night attack on Stephen Miller and President Trump.
The post, which was widely criticized by members of the Trump administration and social media users, was initially published during a time of escalated civil unrest. Eye-catching phrases describing Miller’s supposed inclination towards hatred were shared, painting him as a central figure in what Moran dubbed "Trumpism."
The suspension of Moran comes as ABC News reaffirms its commitment to balanced and fair reporting. An official statement was released, emphasizing the network's dedication to impartiality and declaring the correspondent's posts as unreflective of ABC's values.
These events unfolded concurrently with heightened tensions in Los Angeles, where protests against the Border Patrol's actions resulted in unruly demonstrations. In response, President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops, heightening the stakes for both law enforcement and residents.
Stephen Miller, to whom Moran’s comments were directed, denounced the protests in Los Angeles as an “insurrection.” His firm stance on immigration and border control has been a cornerstone of the administration’s policies.
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the matter, criticizing Moran's posts and questioning the objectivity in ABC's reporting. His response underscores the broader issues of media bias that have permeated discussions about coverage of the Trump administration.
Moran, who has been a prominent voice in political reporting, had foreseen Trump's electoral victories in both 2016 and 2024. This prediction aligned with his portrayal of Trump as a figure disconnected from traditional party ideologies, identifying him instead as a nationalist.
Underlining this context is an interview conducted by Moran with Trump during his first 100 days in office. The discussion centered on policies affecting individuals like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose deportation was a focal point in talks about immigration reform and enforcement.
In a more extensive backdrop, ABC had previously settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $15 million. This lawsuit, linked to a civil sexual abuse case involving George Stephanopoulos, reflects the fraught history between the media network and the Trump administration.
The original posts by Moran were swiftly removed; however, the fast-paced nature of social media allowed screen-shotted copies to circulate broadly. The controversy surrounding these statements serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of both digital platforms and journalistic integrity within public discourse.
Looking ahead, it remains uncertain how Moran's suspension will impact ABC News’ broader programming and coverage. Internally, this decision stands as a testament to the network’s dedication to maintaining a reputation for unbiased reporting in an era marked by polarization.
Ultimately, this incident highlights ongoing challenges within the media landscape. As journalists navigate the fine line between personal expression and professional responsibility, the need for deliberate reflection and adherence to ethical standards persists.