Trump Nominates Hospitality Executive to Lead National Park Service

Critics raise concerns over nominee's ties to company with extensive Park Service contracts

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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President Donald Trump has nominated Scott Socha, a president at the hospitality company Delaware North, to lead the National Park Service. Delaware North holds lucrative contracts to provide services in several national parks, raising concerns from critics about potential conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The National Park Service has faced significant budget cuts and staffing reductions under the Trump administration, leading to concerns about the preservation of America's national parks and historical exhibits. The nomination of a hospitality executive with deep ties to the agency he would oversee raises questions about the administration's priorities for the Park Service.

The details

Socha has worked for Delaware North, a major hospitality provider in national parks, since 1999. The company holds contracts to operate visitor services in at least six national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Shenandoah. Critics argue that Socha's nomination represents a conflict of interest, as he would be overseeing an agency that is a major client of his employer.

  • Trump nominated Socha for the Park Service director position on February 12, 2026.
  • The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination.

The players

Scott Socha

A president at the hospitality company Delaware North, which holds extensive contracts with the National Park Service.

Donald Trump

The former president who nominated Socha to lead the National Park Service.

Delaware North

A major hospitality company that provides services in at least six national parks and holds lucrative contracts with the National Park Service.

Theresa Pierno

The director of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group that is ready to work with Socha but expects him to reverse recent policies and stand up for the Park Service's mission.

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What they’re saying

“If confirmed, he must put the Park Service's mission first, stand up for park staff, fill critical vacancies and halt attacks on our nation's history.”

— Theresa Pierno, Director, National Parks Conservation Association

What’s next

The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination to lead the National Park Service.

The takeaway

The nomination of a hospitality executive with deep ties to the National Park Service raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the administration's priorities for the agency, which has faced significant budget cuts and staffing reductions in recent years.