On Monday evening, the president signed two proclamations that reduced the boundaries of Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase‑Escalante National Monument.
The Grand Staircase‑Escalante was cut from approximately 1.87 million acres to about 181,500 acres, while Bears Ears was trimmed from roughly 1.36 million acres to 121,100 acres.
The changes aim to allow common‑sense land use while preserving the historic and scientific sites protected under the Antiquities Act.
These orders reverse the prior expansion of the monuments and open surrounding lands to multiple‑use, sustained‑yield management.
Following the signing, a press briefing was held during which questions were raised about the United States’ responsibilities in guarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The president replied that the nation would be compensated for its protective role and criticized the network for presenting misinformation.
He described the situation as a major attack and expressed confidence that the military effort would succeed.
After the exchange, reporters were removed from the room.
