NATIONAL MONUMENTS AT RISK

As before, Trump will go after those designated by Democrats

The Department of Justice has just issued a report stating that the President has the authority to declassify National Monuments that have been declared by any previous President. This goes beyond Trump’s first term move to reduce the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in southern Utah. This goes back to the Teddy Roosevelt era when the first National Monument (Devils Tower) was established. No doubt, this ruling by the Justice Department will be challenged in court. If the ruling prevails, Trump will no doubt move to declassify the National Monuments announced by Democratic Presidents Carter, Clinton, Obama and Biden. Carter established 15 National Monuments, all in Alaska. Clinton established 19, And Obama established 29, It remains to be seen just how vindictive Trump can be – and what the rationale will be. Trump just takes advantage of whatever opportunities to trash the actions of his predecessors.