OPINION — The White House released its Fiscal Year 2027 “skinny budget” proposal April 3 with only topline numbers, not agency-by-agency details. The budget proposes a 12.9% spending cut at the Interior department, but that number includes wildfire funding that would be moved over from the U.S. Forest Service, suggesting the effective cuts to programs and personnel at the Interior department could be significantly larger.
The White House budget is missing key details, but even in broad strokes it paints a bleak picture for America’s parks, wildlife and everyone who hunts, fishes, hikes or simply enjoys the outdoors.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has already fired or forced out 13,000 employees. How many more does he plan to push out the door? This document doesn’t say.
