Trump Admin Eyes Deal to Give Away Yosemite Park Land to Real Estate Firm

August 29, 2026 - 00:10

The White House has been in discussions with a real estate company since the spring of last year over a proposal that could transfer a portion of Yosemite National Park to private ownership. The deal, which has not been publicly announced, would reportedly give the firm control over a tract of land inside the park's boundaries, raising immediate concerns among conservation groups and legal experts.

According to sources familiar with the talks, the administration has been weighing the transfer as part of a broader push to open federal lands to commercial development. The specific parcel in question has not been identified, but it is believed to include areas currently used for public recreation. The real estate firm, which has not been named in the discussions, is said to be interested in developing resort-style accommodations or private retreats.

Environmental advocates argue that such a move would violate longstanding protections for national parks, which are typically held in trust for the public. Legal scholars point out that transferring federal park land to a private entity would require an act of Congress, making the reported negotiations highly unusual. The National Park Service has declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing policy reviews.

Supporters of the deal say it could bring much-needed revenue and infrastructure improvements to the park, which has faced maintenance backlogs for years. However, critics warn that once land is sold or leased to private interests, public access could be restricted permanently. No final agreement has been reached, and the timeline for any decision remains unclear. The administration has not responded to requests for confirmation.