The Trump administration has deliberately aimed to demoralize staff at the National Park Service, a top official alleged in leaked audio recordings. According to Don Striker, a veteran regional director overseeing parks in Alaska, a recent directive from Washington mandated supervisors limit high scores on employee evaluations. This move led to widespread discontent among park rangers and reduced morale.
Critics claim this measure was designed to make layoffs easier by artificially lowering ratings, rendering it difficult for employees to maintain satisfactory performance reviews. With over 60% of federal employees receiving top marks in previous years, the new policy effectively levels the playing field against underperforming workers.
As a result, employees are now forced to settle for lower scores or risk losing their jobs. This move has been seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle checks and balances on its power.
Striker believes that the current performance review system was crafted outside the National Park Service and overseen by top officials in Washington, including Russell Vought's Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management. He stated, "It's just another method of trying to bring morale down." Striker also mentioned that supervisors were given instructions from top-level officials, which led to the implementation of this new rating system.
The National Park Service has dismissed these allegations, stating they are working towards normalizing ratings across the agency, aiming for fair and consistent evaluations in all parks and programs. However, Striker's statements have ignited concerns among park employees who fear that the new performance review process is an attempt to make layoffs easier.
Critics argue that this measure represents a broader change in management practices within the federal government under the Trump administration.
Critics claim this measure was designed to make layoffs easier by artificially lowering ratings, rendering it difficult for employees to maintain satisfactory performance reviews. With over 60% of federal employees receiving top marks in previous years, the new policy effectively levels the playing field against underperforming workers.
As a result, employees are now forced to settle for lower scores or risk losing their jobs. This move has been seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle checks and balances on its power.
Striker believes that the current performance review system was crafted outside the National Park Service and overseen by top officials in Washington, including Russell Vought's Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management. He stated, "It's just another method of trying to bring morale down." Striker also mentioned that supervisors were given instructions from top-level officials, which led to the implementation of this new rating system.
The National Park Service has dismissed these allegations, stating they are working towards normalizing ratings across the agency, aiming for fair and consistent evaluations in all parks and programs. However, Striker's statements have ignited concerns among park employees who fear that the new performance review process is an attempt to make layoffs easier.
Critics argue that this measure represents a broader change in management practices within the federal government under the Trump administration.
Man, it's so demotivating to hear that the Trump admin is trying to sabotage morale at the National Park Service 
. Like, these park rangers are dedicated public servants who care about preserving our natural beauty and protecting wildlife 
. And now they're being forced to settle for lower scores just to keep their jobs? That's just not right 
.
. But I gotta say, it's clear that this policy is all about making layoffs easier and silencing dissenting voices 
. And let me tell you, that's a recipe for disaster 
.
, it's disheartening to see the Trump admin trying to undermine the National Park Service's mission 
!
. I mean, can you imagine working for the National Park Service and feeling like your hard work isn't being recognized? It's not cool that supervisors are being told to lower ratings just to make it easier to lay people off 
. And what's up with that? Like, can't we all just get along and have a fair evaluation system in place? 
. And I don't think it's right that they're trying to undermine the checks and balances system 
. That's what's supposed to protect us from people in power getting too out of control 
. We need more positivity and less negativity in the workplace 
. Can't we just focus on preserving our beautiful national parks and making sure everyone has access to them? 
. It's not fair to the employees at all! 
And from what I've heard, this is just another way for the Trump administration to kinda manipulate things to suit themselves 
. I'm not surprised to hear that top officials in Washington are behind it too - they always seem to be trying to pull some kind of strings 
. Anyway, I hope something gets done about it ASAP, 'cause it's got all the makings of a really tough time for park rangers 
just heard about this latest move by the Trump admin and I'm literally shaking my head. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to demoralize entire staff of dedicated public servants just to make it easier to let them go? It's like they're trying to break spirits over here 
. And what really gets me is that this isn't even a new policy - it's been in place for months, but only now are we finding out about it through leaked audio recordings. Talk about transparency... lack thereof. 
did u no? apparently the trump admin is tryna screw over national park rangers by makin them score low on evaluations lol what a sick move! they're basically tryin to make it easy 4 them 2 fire ppl who dont meet expectations 
it's just another way 4 trump 2 exert his power 