Trump Signs New Executive Order
President Donald Trump signed executive orders Monday that reduce the size of Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, reviving a long-running debate over federal land control, state authority, and economic development.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the orders return more control to the people of Utah and expand on actions he took during his first administration.
“We’re actually giving more than we did the first time back to the people of Utah,” Trump said during the signing ceremony.
The move reverses actions taken by former President Joe Biden, who restored both national monuments after Trump previously reduced their boundaries during his first term.
A Long Battle Over Public Lands
The boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante have changed multiple times over the past decade as Republican and Democratic administrations adopted sharply different approaches to public land management.
During his first term, Trump reduced Bears Ears by roughly 85 percent and cut Grand Staircase-Escalante by nearly 50 percent. Biden later restored both monuments to their previous sizes through executive action.
Trump’s latest executive orders once again shift federal policy, signaling his administration’s support for greater state involvement in managing public lands.
Why Utah Leaders Supported the Change
Utah officials have argued for years that expanding the monuments places unnecessary restrictions on land that could support mining, energy production, infrastructure projects, and other economic opportunities.
State leaders challenged the Biden administration’s restoration of the monument boundaries in 2022, saying larger federal protections limited local decision-making and slowed economic growth.
Supporters of Trump’s executive orders say the changes could provide Utah with greater flexibility while preserving access for recreation and responsible land use.
What Makes These National Monuments Unique?
Grand Staircase-Escalante, established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, is famous for its colorful canyon landscapes, hiking trails, camping areas, and important dinosaur fossil discoveries that continue to attract researchers from around the world.
Bears Ears, designated by President Barack Obama in 2016, contains ancient Native American cultural sites, rock art, cliff dwellings, scenic backcountry routes, and popular destinations for hiking, climbing, backpacking, and river rafting.
Both monuments remain major attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists visiting southern Utah.
What’s Next?
Trump’s executive orders are expected to face legal scrutiny from environmental organizations and tribal groups that have previously challenged similar actions.
At the same time, supporters argue the decision restores a better balance between conservation and economic development while giving Utah residents a stronger voice in how public lands are managed.
The latest move ensures that the debate over federal land policy, state authority, conservation, and resource development will remain a major national issue.