Controversy Surrounds Monument Reductions by Trump
President Donald Trump’s decision to significantly reduce the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments has sparked strong reactions from various groups, particularly tribal nations and conservation advocates. The reduction, which amounts to nearly 3 million acres, has been met with significant opposition.
Georgie Pongyesva, a leader from the Hopi tribe, expressed deep concern over the decision, stating, “Today’s action threatens to destroy precious cultural places that are part of our histories and identities as Native peoples,” as per a release from the Grand Staircase-Escalante Inter-Tribal Coalition. Pongyesva emphasized the ongoing cultural significance of these sites, which continue to be stewarded by tribal communities.
In a ceremony with Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Trump justified the reductions by highlighting the potential for mineral development, arguing that the monuments were originally designated to protect specific antiquities within the smallest necessary area. Cox commented, “These monument designations are supposed to be the smallest area possible to protect the antiquities. These multi-million acre monuments that are bigger than the state of Delaware certainly do not fit that designation.”
However, the move has been challenged by those who see it as a violation of the Antiquities Act. Tim Peterson, who directs cultural landscapes at the Grand Canyon Trust, stated, “We believe it’s unlawful. We believe the Antiquities Act is a law that was designed to protect places, not to remove places.” He also pointed out the unpopularity of this decision among voters in the West and Utah.
This is not the first time Trump has attempted to reduce the size of these monuments; a similar effort during his first term was later reversed by President Joe Biden. A 2024 survey by the Grand Canyon Trust indicates strong support for maintaining the monuments at the sizes established during Biden’s presidency.
Critics, including Peterson, argue that the lack of consultation with tribal nations about these changes violates federal trust and treaty obligations. The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, consisting of the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Ute Indian Tribe, was founded in 2015 to protect these lands. Similarly, a separate coalition for Grand Staircase includes representatives from several tribes.
While the Grand Canyon Trust has previously engaged in legal actions regarding these monuments, Peterson did not confirm whether the organization would pursue further litigation following the recent executive orders.
Disclosure: Grand Canyon Trust is a financial supporter to KNAU.
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