Fact Check: Internal Memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior on National Park Service Content Review
What We Know
An internal memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior, specifically from the National Park Service (NPS), has been reported to direct all public-facing content at NPS sites to be reviewed for any material that might "inappropriately disparage Americans" or that emphasizes matters unrelated to the beauty of natural features. This directive is part of a broader initiative following President Trump's executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which aims to focus on the positive aspects of American history and achievements (NPR).
The memo, dated June 9, 2025, and leaked to NPR, instructs NPS units to post signage by June 13, encouraging public feedback on any content perceived as negative about American history or landscapes (NPR). The review is not limited to the NPS but also extends to other Department of the Interior groups, including the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, although it excludes properties on Native American lands unless they are part of NPS sites (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that an internal memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior mandates a review of public-facing content at NPS sites is substantiated by the leaked memo itself, which has been reported by reputable sources such as NPR and the New York Times (NPR, NYT). The memo's content aligns with the directives stemming from President Trump's executive order, which explicitly calls for the removal of content that disparages Americans and emphasizes the positive aspects of American history.
The reliability of the sources reporting this information is high. NPR is a well-established news organization known for its journalistic integrity, and the New York Times is similarly respected in the field of journalism. Both outlets have provided detailed accounts of the memo's contents and the context surrounding it, including reactions from various stakeholders, such as the National Parks Conservation Association, which expressed concern over the implications of such a directive (NPR).
Critics of the memo argue that it poses a risk of historical revisionism, potentially erasing important narratives that reflect the complexities of American history. This perspective is echoed by Theresa Pierno, the CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, who warned against the dangers of rewriting history (NPR).
Conclusion
The claim that an internal memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior instructs the National Park Service to review and potentially remove content that disparages Americans or does not highlight the beauty of natural features is True. The evidence from credible news sources confirms the existence and directives of the memo, as well as the broader context of the initiative it supports.
