Trump government mulls deal to give away part of Yosemite park to a private developer
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a land exchange deal that would involve giving a section of Yosemite National Park to a private developer. This deal, which would facilitate an access road to a private property, has sparked outrage among conservationists and Democrats.
Why it matters
This potential deal raises significant concerns about the protection of public lands and national parks, highlighting ongoing debates about environmental conservation versus private development interests.
President Donald Trump's administration is considering giving a section of the renowned Yosemite National Park to a private developer, a lawyer for the company confirmed to AFP on Friday (August 28, 2026).
The National Park Service has been holding talks with Nevada-based Kingsbarn Realty Capital to build an access road from an 83-acre private property just outside the park to Yosemite's entrance, in exchange for land elsewhere, lawyer Lanny Davis said.
The news was first reported by the outlet NOTUS and caused an uproar among conservationists and opposition Democrats, who have fiercely objected to moves by the administration to roll back protections of public lands — including pushing to reinstate road building and logging in national forests.
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