The Justice Department has stated that President Donald Trump has the authority to eliminate national monuments established by former President Joe Biden, which were created at the request of Native American tribes.
In the final days of his presidency, Biden designated the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Satilla Highlands National Memorial, safeguarding hundreds of thousands of acres in California. Notably, the Chuckwalla National Monument encompasses over 624,000 acres, while the Sattilla Highlands National Monument covers 224,000 acres.
Recently, the Trump administration’s Justice Department issued an opinion that upended a 1938 ruling, indicating that Trump could indeed revoke monuments established by a previous president under a long-standing law from 1906. Deputy Attorney General Lanola Pettit emphasized that, based on ancient law, the power to declare also conveys the power to revoke.
During his initial term, Trump reduced the size of the Escalante National Monument, related to the Bear Ears and Grand Staircase areas, asserting that this change was necessary. However, Biden restored these areas during his presidency.
The DOJ’s recent opinion has drawn criticism. Senator Martin Heinrich expressed his disapproval, stating that the Trump administration is attempting to erase national monuments, which represent essential aspects of American identity and heritage. He emphasized the significance of these monuments, stating they tell the stories of ancestors and connect Americans to their history and the land.
Heinrich has committed to opposing any Republican moves to undermine national monuments. The DOJ’s opinion suggests that Biden’s efforts in establishing these sites may have been more about crafting an environmental legacy. Pettit raised doubts about Biden’s motivations, questioning the relevance of recreational activities like biking and camping to the preservation of scientific and historical monuments.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Trump will act to revoke the designations of the sites established by Biden or other monuments. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields indicated a focus on releasing federal land and water for various types of resource extraction.
