Over the weekend, an upside-down American flag atop Yosemite’s El Capitan rock formation caught the attention of visitors, sparking curiosity and discussion. The flag display, which occurred on Sunday, February 23, was not a mistake but a deliberate protest by National Park Service (NPS) employees against job cuts under the Trump administration. The unusual sight served as a powerful statement about the struggles facing the National Park Service due to significant staffing reductions.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, the American flag should only be flown upside down in cases of “dire distress” or extreme danger to life or property. The Yosemite employees raising the flag in this manner aimed to highlight the critical issues faced by the park service following the loss of over 1,000 jobs due to budget cuts. Many NPS workers, including rangers, maintenance staff, and environmental specialists, voiced concerns about the negative impact the cuts would have on park conditions, visitor safety, and overall park experiences.
Gavin Carpenter, a Yosemite maintenance mechanic, admitted to providing the flag for the protest. He explained that the purpose was to draw attention to the challenges faced by national parks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and preserving these public lands. Carpenter stressed that the cuts were unsustainable and could jeopardize the future of national parks if the staffing shortages were not addressed.
The photo of the upside-down flag, captured by photographer Brittany Colt, quickly went viral on social media. Colt shared her personal frustration, pointing out that many of her friends had lost their jobs due to the cuts, leaving the parks vulnerable. She highlighted the essential roles these workers played, from Search and Rescue to park maintenance, and expressed concern that without them, the parks would suffer, potentially compromising visitor safety. In response to the backlash, the Trump administration announced plans to restore some NPS positions, but many employees fear that these changes won’t fully address the long-term challenges of funding and staffing.
Click below to read more…
