Fact Check: The National Park Service lost approximately 24% of its permanent staff since January.

Fact Check: "The National Park Service lost approximately 24% of its permanent staff since January."

What We Know

The claim that the National Park Service (NPS) has lost approximately 24% of its permanent staff since January is supported by multiple sources. According to a report by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the NPS has indeed experienced a significant decline in its workforce, losing nearly a quarter of its permanent staff since the beginning of the Trump administration, which began in January 2025 (source-1, source-2). This reduction has left many parks struggling to maintain operations, particularly during peak visitation seasons when staffing is crucial for visitor safety and park management.

Further corroboration comes from an analysis of internal data from the Department of the Interior, which indicates that as of June 2025, the NPS had approximately 12,600 full-time employees, reflecting a 24% decrease from previous staffing levels (source-3, source-4). The NPCA's findings highlight the impact of these staffing cuts, noting that the remaining staff are often required to take on additional responsibilities, which can compromise park operations and visitor safety (source-5).

Analysis

The evidence presented by the NPCA and corroborated by various news outlets indicates a reliable consensus on the staffing crisis within the NPS. The NPCA is a well-established nonprofit organization focused on protecting national parks, lending credibility to their findings. Their analysis of internal workforce data provides a strong basis for the claim that the NPS has lost 24% of its permanent staff (source-2, source-6).

However, it is important to consider the potential biases of the sources. The NPCA, while credible, has a vested interest in advocating for increased funding and staffing for national parks, which may color their presentation of the data. Nonetheless, the corroborating reports from major news organizations like CNN and CBS News provide additional validation of the NPCA's claims, reinforcing the reliability of the information (source-3, source-4).

Conclusion

The claim that the National Park Service lost approximately 24% of its permanent staff since January is True. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible sources, including the NPCA's analysis of internal data, which has been corroborated by various reputable news outlets. The significant staffing reductions have led to operational challenges within the NPS, particularly during peak visitation periods, raising concerns about visitor safety and the effective management of national parks.

Fact Check: The National Park Service lost approximately 24% of its permanent staff since January.