America’s National Parks Now Under Musk’s DOGE Control
A big change is happening at the National Park Service. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken control of the agency that manages America’s national parks.
Last Thursday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed an order giving DOGE operative Tyler Hassen power over the Interior Department. This department usually takes care of 400 national parks, works with Native American tribes, and manages over 500 million acres of land, as The Washington Post writes.
“This order shows what it looks like when leaders abdicate their jobs and let unqualified outsiders fire thousands of civil servants who are working on behalf of all Americans and their public lands”, said Jennifer Rokala, executive director of Center for Western Priorities.
Funding decisions
The order gives Hassen, a former oil executive, the power to make funding decisions, fire employees, create policy, and transfer funds. He doesn’t have to report to Burgum, and Burgum can’t veto any of Hassen’s decisions.
Many important jobs at national parks are already empty. Around 100 superintendent positions are vacant due to hiring freezes, resignations, early retirements, and firings. Park superintendents are vital because they manage all operations and protect the natural resources of parks.
Loss of institutional knowledge
“The loss of upwards of 100 park superintendents (not to mention several regional directors) results in a significant loss of institutional knowledge within the National Park Service”, Jeff Mow, the former superintendent of Glacier National Park, wrote in an email.
The National Parks Conservation Association estimates about 2,500 employees have resigned or taken early buyouts. This is on top of about 1,000 employees who were fired on Valentine’s Day.
President Donald Trump recently extended his January hiring freeze through July 15, which will make it even harder to fill these important positions.
