Fact Check: An internal memo from the U.S. Department of Interior stated that all public-facing content at National Park sites will be reviewed for any content that inappropriately disparages Americans or emphasizes matters unrelated to the beauty of natural features.

Fact Check: Internal Memo from the U.S. Department of Interior on National Park Content Review

What We Know

An internal memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior, dated June 9, 2025, was leaked to NPR, revealing that the National Park Service (NPS) is required to review all public-facing content at national park sites. This review aims to identify and potentially remove content that "inappropriately disparages Americans" or emphasizes matters unrelated to the natural beauty of the parks (NPR). The directive is part of a broader initiative stemming from President Trump's executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which mandates that content should focus on the positive aspects of American history and achievements (NPR).

The memo specifies that all NPS units must post signage encouraging public feedback on any information deemed negative about either past or living Americans. This feedback mechanism is intended to guide the review process, which is to be completed by mid-July 2025 (NPR).

Analysis

The memo's authenticity is supported by its publication in a reputable news source, NPR, which has a history of reliable reporting. The context of the memo aligns with the political climate during the Trump administration, where there was a concerted effort to reshape narratives surrounding American history in public spaces. The directive reflects a shift towards a more sanitized portrayal of history, focusing on national pride and achievements while potentially sidelining critical historical narratives (NPR).

Critics, including Theresa Pierno, CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, have expressed concerns about the implications of this directive, arguing that it poses a risk of "rewriting history" and undermines the educational mission of national parks (NPR). This sentiment underscores the tension between promoting national pride and acknowledging the complexities of American history.

The memo's directive to focus on "the beauty, grandeur, and abundance of landscapes" suggests a prioritization of aesthetic appreciation over historical accuracy, raising questions about the integrity of educational content provided to visitors (NPR).

Conclusion

The claim that an internal memo from the U.S. Department of Interior mandates a review of public-facing content at National Park sites for negative portrayals of Americans is True. The leaked memo clearly outlines the requirements for NPS units to solicit public feedback on content that may be viewed as disparaging, reflecting a broader initiative to reshape the narrative of American history in national parks.

Sources

1. New National Park Service signage asks public to flag negative content ...
2. Electronic Library of the Interior Policies - U.S. Department of the ...
3. Reports | Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of the Interior
4. U.S. Department of the Interior
5. Home | Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of the Interior
6. PDF 2022 Department of the Interior Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
7. PDF NPS Correspondence Manual, June 2018 - U.S. National Park Service
8. Department of the Interior Policy | U.S. Department of the Interior