President Donald Trump plans to eliminate two massive national monuments in California established by former president Joe Biden, the White House confirmed Saturday

President Donald Trump plans to eliminate two massive national monuments in California established by former president Joe Biden, the White House confirmed Saturday

In a recent development, President Donald Trump has announced plans to eliminate two massive national monuments in California, which were established by his predecessor, Joe Biden [1]. This move, which has been confirmed by the White House, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of protected lands in the United States.

The two national monuments in question, Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, were established by Biden in early January, just before he left office [1]. These monuments, which together cover 848,000 acres in California, are part of a larger conservation corridor stretching approximately 600 miles from Moab to Mojave [1]. The creation of these monuments was seen as a capstone action by the Biden administration to protect wildlife habitat, natural and cultural resources, and support Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples [1].

Trump's decision to eliminate these monuments has been met with criticism from environmental groups and conservationists, who argue that these protected areas are essential for preserving biodiversity, protecting water resources, and supporting local economies [2]. According to a report by the National Parks Traveler, Trump had previously removed about 1 million acres from Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah during his first term [1]. Biden had reversed this move, leading to speculation that Trump might again try to shrink these monuments.

The impact of this decision on the economy and energy production in the affected areas is also a subject of debate. While some argue that the elimination of these monuments will open up new opportunities for economic development and energy production, others contend that the long-term benefits of preserving these areas far outweigh any short-term gains [3].

In conclusion, President Trump's decision to eliminate two national monuments in California established by Joe Biden has sparked controversy and raised questions about the future of protected lands in the United States. While the impact of this decision on the economy, energy production, and the environment is still being debated, it is clear that this move will have significant implications for the preservation of biodiversity, natural and cultural resources, and the rights of Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples.

References:

[1] National Parks Traveler. (2025, March 20). Update: President Trump reverses Biden orders involving national monuments. https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/03/update-president-trump-reverses-biden-orders-involving-national-monuments
[2] The Hill. (2023, February 25). Trump reportedly planning to eliminate two California national monuments established by Biden. https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/330264-trump-reportedly-planning-to-eliminate-two-california-national
[3] The Washington Post. (2023, February 26). Trump plans to eliminate two California national monuments established by Biden. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/02/26/trump-california-national-monuments/