Interior Secretary Faces Scrutiny for Travel Amid Shutdown

As the US government shutdown continues to disrupt various federal services, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is facing intense scrutiny for his recent travel to the Middle East. While many national parks are struggling with damage and unauthorized activities due to the partial government closure, Bernhardt is embarking on a trip to promote American gas and oil exports.

The Interior Department, which oversees the nation’s public lands and natural resources, has been affected significantly by the shutdown. Many of its sites, including national parks, are experiencing issues with trash collection, vandalism, and damage due to the lack of staff and funding. The absence of park rangers and maintenance personnel has raised concerns about public safety and the long-term impact on these protected areas.

Meanwhile, Bernhardt’s trip to the Middle East has sparked criticism from lawmakers and environmental groups, who argue that his travel plans appear insensitive and ill-timed. The Secretary’s itinerary includes meetings with government officials and energy industry leaders in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The primary objective of his trip is to promote American energy exports, particularly natural gas and oil.

Critics argue that Bernhardt’s travel plans are at odds with the current situation in the US, where many federal employees are furloughed, and essential services are being disrupted. They contend that the Secretary’s presence is needed at home to address the crisis and ensure that national parks and public lands are protected.

In response to the criticism, the Interior Department has stated that Bernhardt’s trip was planned prior to the shutdown and that he will be using personal funds to cover some of the expenses. However, this has done little to alleviate concerns about the timing and optics of his travel plans.

The shutdown, which began in December, has already become one of the longest in US history, with no clear end in sight. As the situation continues to unfold, Bernhardt’s trip is likely to remain a contentious issue, with many questioning the priorities of the Trump administration during this critical period.