Politics and Family Vacations

Aug 01, 2026

THIS WEEK: Politics & Family Vacations

Parents are fuming, and the sibs are beating each other up in the back seat. The family vacation just hit another bump in the road: a long line at the entrance to one of the country’s picturesque national parks.

To the casual observer, the above sounds like a family affair.

For reporters covering recent cuts to the parks — this family affair is also a political one, a reminder that budget cuts made in D.C. have real consequences that are felt — but not always entirely understood — by the people most impacted by them.

Today, Reporting Right is offering some info on what’s happening inside these parks. Read up and don’t forget to share your stories with us.

It’s a great time to cover this…because…who doesn’t love those parks? Read on, and we’ll tell you.

What cuts?

Hiring freezes, layoffs, and staffing reductions began in early 2025, as part of the Trump administration’s austerity efforts — along with more cuts ($267 million) to staffing allocations, as a result of the 2025 Trump budget bill. These cuts have rendered one of America’s favorite pastimes (exploring the nation’s most cherished natural treasures) less convenient, pleasant, and safe. More cuts, FYI, are expected to come down the pike.

Can parks bring us together?

Yup, it’s true. Americans can’t seem to agree on much. But what they do agree on, across party lines, is that national parks are a public good worth preserving. All the more reason to report on this.

What was the Valentine’s Day Massacre?

That’s what park rangers called the February 2025 day when word came down about the firings.

Show me what the chaos looks like?

Above, find a report from Yosemite.

And in Acadia?

Rangers are in short supply. The crowds are still coming.

What about de-woking the parks?

The Guardian did an incredible investigation on this. Check it out, above.

What about bears, are they paying attention?

Nope. They are showing up, even if resources to deal are under strain.

How should I cover this?

It’s not always clear to the public how individuals are impacted by public policy, philosophies around governing and decisions about what is and is not a priority. The National Park story can:

Shed light on how people are reacting to Trump Administration priorities.
Explore the bipartisan appeal of The National Park system.
Address public opinion on the ripple effect of Trump’s austerity cuts.
Gage where Americans are as it relates to Trump. Are they storming the parks, enraged? Or...are they resigned to the cuts and happy to do their part in cutting the federal budget, even if it means summer inconveniences.