According to a report citing internal National Park Service documents, the Trump administration redirected at least $90 million in national park entry fee revenue toward beautification and renovation projects in Washington, D.C.The expenditures include approximately $76 million for repairing fountains around the National Mall and other memorial areas, as well as $1.6 million for a Fourth of July fireworks celebration.The spending is connected in part to preparations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The documents indicate that roughly $105 million in park fee funding for fiscal year 2026 was allocated to the National Capital Region, while only about $27 million was approved for all other national parks combined.

Specific projects reportedly include renovations to the Lafayette Square Fountain near the White House, improvements to the Simón Bolívar Memorial fountain, additional work on National Mall fountains, and the relocation of a statue of Caesar Rodney to Freedom Plaza.

Critics argue that these allocations depart from the traditional purpose of park fee revenue, which has generally been used to support maintenance and visitor services throughout the national park system.

Conservation advocates contend that concentrating resources in Washington comes at a time when the National Park Service faces an estimated $24 billion backlog of deferred maintenance nationwide.The controversy is further amplified by recent staffing reductions within the National Park Service.

The administration reportedly cut approximately 4,000 positions, contributing to operational challenges such as longer lines, campground closures, reduced tours, and limited facility access in some parks.

The Interior Department defended the spending decisions, stating that contracts were properly awarded and that maintenance needs across the country continue to be addressed.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are considering new funding measures after a previous congressional program designed to reduce maintenance backlogs expired in late 2025.