### Trump Administration's Authority to Abolish National Monuments: A Legal Perspective The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a legal opinion affirming that President Donald Trump possesses the authority to abolish national monuments established by previous administrations. This decision could have significant implications, particularly for states like Arizona, which may see changes to protected lands. The opinion challenges long-standing interpretations of the Antiquities Act and could lead to the revocation of protections for historical and archaeological sites across the country, including two national monuments in California created by former President Joe Biden at the request of Native American tribes [https://www.abc15.com/news/national/trump-administration-can-abolish-national-monuments-doj-says-az-could-be-heavily-impacted][https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-can-abolish-national-monuments-us-justice-department-says-2025-06-11/?link_source=ta_thread_link&taid=6849297b9c63f4000194df58]. ### Breakdown of the Legal Opinion and Its Implications 1. **Authority to Abolish**: The DOJ's opinion states that Trump can revoke national monument designations made by past presidents, including those established under the Antiquities Act [https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-monuments-california-3e90d2eb00364e4184acfd101a2bb7b6]. 2. **Historical Context**: This opinion contradicts a 1938 determination that such monuments could not be revoked, thereby altering the legal landscape surrounding national monuments [https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/06/10/justice-department-says-trump-can-cancel-national-monuments-that-protect-landscapes]. 3. **Potential Impact on Arizona**: Arizona could be particularly affected by this decision, as it is home to several national monuments that may be targeted for revocation [https://www.abc15.com/news/national/trump-administration-can-abolish-national-monuments-doj-says-az-could-be-heavily-impacted]. 4. **Political Ramifications**: The move is seen as a power play by the Trump administration, potentially energizing his base while drawing criticism from environmentalists and indigenous groups [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3454586-trumps-power-play-national-monuments-in-jeopardy]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Legal Precedent**: The DOJ's opinion marks a significant shift in the interpretation of the Antiquities Act, which has historically been used to protect landscapes and cultural sites [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana/articles/2025-06-10/trump-administration-says-he-has-the-authority-to-cancel-national-monuments-that-protect-landscapes]. - **Geographical Focus**: The two national monuments in California that could be affected are significant for their historical and cultural value, particularly to Native American tribes [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-can-abolish-national-monuments-us-justice-department-says-2025-06-11/?link_source=ta_thread_link&taid=6849297b9c63f4000194df58]. ### Conclusion: The Future of National Monuments Under Trump In summary, the DOJ's recent legal opinion grants President Trump broad authority to revoke national monument designations, a move that could reshape the landscape of protected lands in the U.S. The implications of this decision are profound, particularly for states like Arizona and California, where significant historical and cultural sites may be at risk. 1. **Legal Authority**: Trump can abolish national monuments established by previous presidents. 2. **Historical Shift**: This opinion challenges a long-standing interpretation of the Antiquities Act. 3. **State Impact**: Arizona and California could see significant changes to their protected lands. 4. **Political Consequences**: The decision may energize Trump's base while facing backlash from environmental and indigenous groups. The future of national monuments hangs in the balance as this legal interpretation unfolds [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3454586-trumps-power-play-national-monuments-in-jeopardy][https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/06/10/justice-department-says-trump-can-cancel-national-monuments-that-protect-landscapes].