Trump Pulls Park Service Nominee, Leaves Agency Leaderless

0:00On April 28, President Trump just pulled the nomination of Scott Socha to head the National Park Service. Socha runs parks and resorts for Delaware North, a big hospitality firm with contracts at various parks. The White House announced this on Monday, but gave no reason why. This comes right as the park service deals with major shakeups from widespread firings aimed at shrinking the agency. Right now, agency controller Jessica Boweron serves as acting director. During Trump's first term, it never had a Senate confirmed leader, just a string of acting ones. Conservation advocates had already raised doubts about Socha's private sector, background fitting the job of managing everything from the statue of. Liberty to remote desert sites. Groups like the National Parks Conservation Association say the parks desperately need steady leadership after more than a year without a permanent. Boss, especially to fix recent damage. Thousands of employees have been cut or left since Trump took office. The administration's pushing deep budget slashes too.

1:01Dropping staff to 9,200 next year, down nearly 30% with operating funds cut by over $1 billion to $2.2 billion. Meanwhile, new fees hit international visitors with a $100 charge at spots like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon and Trump's image now. Grace's annual passes for Americans sparking a lawsuit from environmentalists. The parks keep evolving under these changes, leaving everyone watching for what's next. National News, powered by AI. This is US News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.