Trump Nominates Hospitality Executive to Lead National Park Service

Critics raise concerns over potential conflicts of interest and changes to park exhibits.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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President Donald Trump has nominated Scott Socha, a president for parks and resorts at Delaware North, a hospitality company with extensive contracts with the National Park Service, to be the new director of the National Park Service. This nomination comes amid widespread firings within the Park Service and efforts by the Trump administration to remove exhibits about slavery, climate change, and Native American culture.

Why it matters

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 agenda to reshape the narrative around the country's history and environmental issues within national parks.

The details

Socha has been with Delaware North, a $4 billion hospitality company, since 1999. The company provides services in at least six national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Shenandoah. The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination, and if confirmed, he will be tasked with implementing Trump's 'America First' initiatives, such as increasing park access for families, reducing permitting burdens, and raising money for conservation projects.

  • President Trump nominated Socha for the position on February 13, 2026.
  • The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination.

The players

Scott Socha

A president for parks and resorts at Delaware North, a hospitality company with extensive contracts with the National Park Service, who has been nominated by President Trump to be the new director of the National Park Service.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who nominated Scott Socha to lead the National Park Service.

Delaware North

A $4 billion hospitality company that provides services in at least six national parks and employs Socha as a president for parks and resorts.

Theresa Pierno

The director of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group, who said Socha must put the Park Service's mission first and halt attacks on the nation's history if confirmed.

Taylor Rogers

A White House spokesperson who said Socha is 'totally qualified' to execute Trump's plans for the park system.

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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

“Scott looks forward to implementing America First initiatives, such as increasing park access for American families, reducing permitting burdens, and raising money for conservation projects.”

— Taylor Rogers, White House Spokesperson

What’s next

The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination before he can assume the role of National Park Service director.

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 agenda to reshape the narrative around the country's history and environmental issues within national parks.