By Blessing Nweke
President Donald Trump has withdrawn his nomination of hospitality executive Scott Socha to lead the National Park Service, the White House announced Monday, offering no immediate explanation for the decision.
Socha, an executive with Delaware North, had been tapped in February and described by officials as qualified to carry out the administration’s plans. His withdrawal comes at a turbulent time for the agency, which has been shaken by mass layoffs and sweeping policy changes under Trump’s pledge to significantly shrink the federal workforce.
The park service remains under the interim leadership of Jessica Bowron, its comptroller, continuing a pattern from Trump’s first term when no Senate-confirmed director was installed. Critics say the lack of permanent leadership has left the agency vulnerable during a period of major restructuring.
Conservation advocates had raised concerns about Socha’s background in the private hospitality sector, questioning whether it prepared him to oversee a vast network of protected lands and historic sites, including Statue of Liberty and remote desert parks in Utah.
Emily Douce of the National Parks Conservation Association said the next director must “undo the damage” caused by staffing cuts and policy shifts, adding that the prolonged leadership vacuum is “very unfortunate.”
The administration’s proposed budget would reduce staffing to about 9,200 employees—nearly 30% below 2025 levels—and slash more than $1 billion from the agency’s funding by 2027.
Additional controversies have fueled criticism, including the removal of exhibits addressing slavery, climate change and Native American history. Under Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, new visitor fees for international tourists and redesigned park passes have also drawn legal challenges and public backlash.
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