‘Zero consultation’: Tribal reps say they were left out of monument reduction decisions

Native American tribes are raising concerns after President Trump drastically reduced the size of Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments without prior consultation. Tribal representatives argue that this decision was made without their input, which is critical under federal law, especially concerning lands that hold cultural and historical significance. This move highlights ongoing tensions between tribal rights and federal land management policies, raising questions about the balance of power and respect for indigenous voices in conservation decisions.