Trump Nominates Hospitality Executive to Lead National Park Service

Critics raise concerns over nominee's ties to major contractor for national parks

Published on Feb. 13, 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 extensive contracts to provide services at several national parks, raising concerns from critics about potential conflicts of interest.

Why it matters

The National Park Service has faced budget cuts and policy changes under the Trump administration, including the removal of exhibits on topics like slavery and climate change. The nomination of a hospitality executive with deep ties to the agency he would oversee raises questions about the future direction of the Park Service and its commitment to preserving America's natural and cultural heritage.

The details

Socha has worked at Delaware North, a major hospitality company that provides services at national parks like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Shenandoah, since 1999. The company has over $4 billion in annual revenue and more than 40,000 employees. Critics argue that Socha's nomination represents a conflict of interest, as the Park Service oversees the contracts and operations of companies like Delaware North within national parks.

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

The players

Scott Socha

President for parks and resorts at Delaware North, a major hospitality company that holds extensive contracts with the National Park Service.

Donald Trump

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

Delaware North

A privately owned hospitality and entertainment company that provides services in at least six national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Shenandoah.

Theresa Pierno

President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, an advocacy group that has raised concerns about Socha's nomination.

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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, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association

What’s next

The Senate must confirm Socha's nomination before he can officially lead the National Park Service.

The takeaway

Socha's nomination raises concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest between the National Park Service and the hospitality industry, particularly given the Trump administration's past efforts to reshape the agency's priorities and messaging. The confirmation process will be closely watched by environmental and preservation advocates.