Trump Administration Orders National Parks to Remove DEI Merchandise

Sat Dec 13 2025 21:59:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a sweeping move, the Trump administration is mandating national parks to eliminate items from their gift shops that don't align with its policy on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), raising concerns about censorship and the parks' educational roles.

The Trump administration has directed national parks to remove merchandise deemed inconsistent with its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The Interior Department's memo highlights a broader initiative aimed at creating 'neutral spaces' within national parks, a move criticized by conservation groups as censorship. It remains unclear which items will be affected, prompting concern among park employees about overreach and potential backlash.

The Trump administration is expanding its crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion by ordering national parks to purge their gift shops of items it deems objectionable.

The Interior Department said in a memo last month that gift shops, bookstores, and concession stands have until Dec. 19 to empty their shelves of retail items that run afoul of President Donald Trump’s agenda.

The agency stated its aim is to create 'neutral spaces that serve all visitors', which appears to be part of a larger initiative over the past year to eliminate policies allegedly discriminating based on race, gender, or sexual orientation; initiatives that have prompted some corporations and universities to rollback diversity programs.

Conservation groups argue that the gift shop initiative equates to censorship, undermining the National Park Service’s educational mission. In contrast, conservative think tanks advocate for the removal of perceived ideological content from taxpayer-funded spaces.

Employees of the park service expressed concerns over the lack of clarity on what items may be banned, hesitating to speak out due to fear of retribution. The uncertainty leaves both staff and visitors in suspense about the upcoming changes.

A Debate Over What’s Acceptable for Park Gift Shops

The Interior Department emphasized maintaining the focus of National Parks on preserving natural and cultural resources that benefit all Americans. Yet, critics, including Alan Spears from the National Parks Conservation Association, argue that the censorship of historical materials and educational content goes against the core values of the parks.

There’s been notable criticism concerning other recent actions by the park service, such as the decision to discontinue free admission for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, while still offering it on Flag Day, coinciding with Trump’s birthday. This has caused a stir regarding the perceived politicization of national park policies.

Furthermore, the lack of specific guidelines regarding the neutrality of merchandise has resulted in confusion. Previously settled vetting processes for park gifts are now under scrutiny, leaving many questions unanswered as the Dec. 19 deadline approaches.