Ex-park ranger decries ‘systematic degradation’ of Park Service
The Associated Press reported that President Donald Trump’s botched repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool have placed the National Park Service in a political predicament.
The Republican president’s demands on the agency have ranged from revising exhibits at parks and other sites to the demolition of important structures under its stewardship — including the White House’s East Wing — to the arrest of visitors for alleged vandalism at the reflecting pool, according to AP. Through it all, the agency, its iconic park rangers and other employees have continued to serve the public.
Critics say the monthslong saga and Trump’s other demands risk undermining the integrity of a federal agency that the American public has long held in high esteem, AP reported.
“Never — not once in decades — have I witnessed such systematic degradation, disrespect and dismantling of the National Park Service as I see today under the thumb of President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum,” said Bill Wade, a former park ranger and superintendent.
Wade’s remarks came as the agency has continued its public-facing work despite the political strain the demands have created, according to the AP report.