US National Park Gift Shops Ordered to Purge Merchandise Promoting DEI

December 16, 2025

The Trump administration has ordered national parks to remove merchandise from gift shops that contradicts its political agenda, with a December 19 deadline for compliance. The Interior Department claims this initiative aims to create "neutral spaces" free from specific viewpoints, part of broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across government institutions. Conservation groups argue the directive represents censorship that undermines the National Park Service's educational purpose, while the vague guidelines have left park employees uncertain about which items are actually prohibited.

Who is affected

National Park Service employees responsible for implementing the review
Vendors and concession stand operators selling merchandise at national parks
Conservation groups like the National Parks Conservation Association
Mikah Meyer and his business Outside Safe Space, which sells LGBTQ+-themed items
Associations managing park store operations
Visitors to national parks seeking educational materials and merchandise
Authors and publishers of books about civil rights, Native American history, and related topics

What action is being taken

The Interior Department is conducting reviews of all items sold at national parks and online for "neutrality"
Park employees are removing merchandise from gift shops, bookstores, and concession stands
Some parks have already completed their reviews
Outside Safe Space stickers and pins are being pulled from store shelves

Why it matters

This policy represents a significant shift in how national parks approach their educational mission and historical interpretation. The initiative raises concerns about government censorship of historical and scientific materials at taxpayer-funded institutions meant to preserve cultural and natural resources for all Americans. The vague guidelines and lack of training create confusion while potentially suppressing educational content about marginalized communities and controversial aspects of American history, fundamentally affecting how visitors learn about and engage with national heritage sites.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint