Group Calls On Trump To Nominate A Competent Park Service Director

NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER • May 12, 2026

The Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR) is calling on President Trump to nominate a competent director of the National Park Service. Trump’s previous pick, Scott Socha, a long-time officer for national park concessionaire Delaware North, was withdrawn by the White House in April after widespread backlash against the choice. The Park Service has been without a Senate-confirmed director since Chuck Sams left the position at the end of the Biden administration. “Accomplishing the National Park Service mission is possible only if we care for the dedicated public servants who protect parks and ensure that the agency that employs them is adequately staffed and supported,” said Mike Pflaum, president of ANPR.