What to know about Trump shrinking 2 national monuments in Utah

President Donald Trump announced on July 14, 2026, that he will drastically scale back two national monuments in Utah: Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. This decision revisits actions from his first term that were later reversed by his successor, President Joe Biden, underscoring the contentious nature of public land management in the United States.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 grants presidents the authority to protect areas of significant cultural, historic, or scientific interest. Trump's latest proclamations undo designations made by previous administrations, reducing the combined area of the Utah monuments from over 3.2 million acres to less than 303,000 acres. This reduction is even more substantial than the cuts he made during his first term.

Trump framed the decision as "giving back land to the people." The move was applauded by Utah officials, including Republican Governor Spencer Cox, who have long advocated for state control over public lands. They argue that the original boundaries were too expansive and hindered resource extraction, such as mining for essential minerals like coal and uranium found within the monument areas.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from conservationists and some Native American tribes who view these lands as sacred and culturally important. President Biden had previously restored the original sizes of these monuments, citing their spiritual, cultural, and prehistoric legacy. He also established 10 new monuments during his term, including sites related to historical injustices and cultural heritage.

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The question has never been whether to protect them, but how to protect them best