Trump Shrinks Utah Monuments by 90% for Development

President Donald Trump announced on Monday the significant reduction in size of two national monuments in Utah: Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. These monuments, established by Democratic predecessors, encompass lands considered sacred by Native American tribes and contain significant natural resources like coal and uranium. Trump's proclamations, issued under the Antiquities Act, decrease the protected areas by approximately 90% each, a move that aims to facilitate land development.

Grand Staircase-Escalante was originally designated by President Bill Clinton in 1996, and Bears Ears was created by President Barack Obama in 2016. The Antiquities Act of 1906 grants presidents the authority to protect historical, archaeological, and culturally significant sites. Trump's decision reverses protections previously established and follows similar actions taken during his first term, which were later overturned by President Joe Biden.

The move has drawn criticism from tribal leaders. Davina Smith-Idjesa, co-chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and a member of the Navajo Nation, described the reduction as "heartbreaking." She stated that tribal leaders had anticipated such a decision since Trump's election and accused federal officials of failing to adequately consult with the impacted tribal nations. Smith-Idjesa emphasized the profound cultural and spiritual significance of Bears Ears to the Navajo people, asserting it is more than just federal public land.