Trump Administration Allocates $26 Million from National Park Fees for Park Police Expansion

The Trump administration has allocated $26 million in national park entry fees to expand the U.S. Park Police force in Washington, D.C. Over recent months, the National Park Service has hired 300 additional park police officers, doubling its presence in the area at a cost exceeding $110 million. Funding for this expansion primarily comes from last year's reconciliation bill, supplemented by national park recreation fees. The Office of Management and Budget specified that the funds should be used for hiring park police officers and personnel in Washington. This funding strategy has raised concerns among lawmakers regarding future Park Service funding, as Congress will need to authorize over $100 million to sustain the new officers beyond this year. The Park Police's responsibilities include law enforcement at D.C. memorials and federal monuments, and the agency has faced criticism for being understaffed and underfunded.