Trump Nominates Hospitality Exec Scott Socha to Lead National Park Service

Nomination of Delaware North executive sparks backlash from environmental groups and the public

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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President Donald Trump has nominated Scott Socha, the president for parks and resorts at Delaware North, to be the director of the National Park Service (NPS). The nomination has sparked public backlash from environmental groups and the public, who are concerned about Socha's background in the hospitality industry and Delaware North's past legal battles over trademarks in national parks.

Why it matters

Over the past year, the Trump administration has implemented a number of changes to the country's national parks, including the removal of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the 2026 fee-free days, the introduction of the "America the Beautiful" passes with the president's face, and the review and removal of certain exhibits and signs related to climate change, LGBTQ rights, and racism. The nomination of a hospitality executive to lead the NPS has raised concerns about the potential for further commercialization and privatization of public lands.

The details

Socha has been with Delaware North, a company that provides hospitality services in at least six national parks, since 1999. In 2016, Delaware North sued to claim trademark rights to the "Yosemite" name and other landmarks in Yosemite National Park, briefly leading to the renaming of iconic sites. The lawsuit was settled in 2019. Environmentalists and conservation groups have criticized Socha's nomination, arguing that his background in the hospitality industry is at odds with the mission of the National Park Service to protect public lands.

  • President Trump nominated Scott Socha to be the director of the National Park Service on February 13, 2026.

The players

Scott Socha

The president for parks and resorts at Delaware North, a company that provides hospitality services in at least six national parks.

Delaware North

A privately owned hospitality and entertainment company that has provided services in national parks, including a past legal battle over trademarking Yosemite National Park landmarks.

National Park Service (NPS)

The federal agency responsible for managing and preserving the United States' national parks and monuments.

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental organization that has criticized Socha's nomination, arguing that the parks are not about making money for the hotel industry.

Save Our Parks

A campaign fighting to save America's parks and public lands, which does not support the Trump administration's policies.

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What they’re saying

“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 (The Associated Press)

“Scott is an outstanding choice to lead the charge in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. He has dedicated his career to environmental stewardship while strengthening the gateway communities that support and sustain our national parks. We commend the Trump administration for recognizing Scott's leadership and proven track record through this nomination.”

— The Bernhardt Group, Bipartisan advisory firm (X)

“Our national parks need strong, sensible leadership now more than ever before. Given Mr. Socha's years of experience working with the Park Service, we hope he will be that leader.”

— Theresa Pierno, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association (Statement)

“The parks are not about making money for the hotel industry. The goal of parks is to protect them so they can be enjoyed by all Americans, now and into the future. That's the mission of the parks. It's not to maximize profits of a few companies.”

— Brett Hartl, Government affairs director, Center for Biological Diversity (SFGATE)

“The private park concessionaire executive, Socha, has zero experience in public service or conservation.”

— Jayson O'Neill, Spokesperson, Save Our Parks (Statement)

What’s next

Following the president's nomination, the Senate must confirm it before Socha can take up the role. This involves various types of investigation and review, as well as a Senate vote.

The takeaway

Socha's nomination to lead the National Park Service has sparked concerns from environmental groups and the public about the potential for further commercialization and privatization of public lands under the Trump administration. The nomination highlights the ongoing tensions between preserving the natural and cultural heritage of national parks and the interests of the hospitality industry.