Upside-Down Flag at Yosemite Sparks Protest and Conversation
Visitors to Yosemite National Park were stunned over the weekend when they spotted an upside-down American flag atop El Capitan, one of the park’s most iconic rock formations. The symbolic gesture wasn’t accidental—it was a bold protest by National Park Service (NPS) employees upset over job cuts under the Trump administration.

A Flag in Distress
Under the U.S. Flag Code, flying the American flag upside down signals “dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” Park employees used that symbol to voice their frustration about what they see as an ongoing crisis within the NPS.

Job Cuts Trigger Employee Outrage
The Trump administration recently slashed 1,000 jobs from the National Park Service. These cuts affected park rangers, maintenance staff, and environmental specialists across the country.

At Yosemite, employees fear the consequences:

Unsafe visitor conditions

Poorly maintained facilities

A drop in overall park quality

Workers Speak Out
Yosemite maintenance mechanic Gavin Carpenter admitted he helped coordinate the protest by providing the flag. Speaking to The San Francisco Chronicle, Carpenter explained:

“We want to shed light on the challenges facing our national parks, which are owned by every American. We’re losing staff, and this isn’t sustainable.”

Viral Image Hits Home
Photographer Brittany Colt captured the striking image and posted it online. Her message struck a nerve with many who shared her concern.

“Several of my friends lost their jobs overnight,” she wrote. “They provided essential services—Search and Rescue, restroom maintenance, and basic safety. Without them, our public lands are in danger.”

A Partial Reversal
In response to public outcry, the Trump administration promised to restore 50 positions and hire nearly 3,000 seasonal workers. While the move offers some relief, many current and former NPS employees worry it’s not enough to fix deep-rooted issues.

A Clear Message from the Heart of Nature
Yosemite’s upside-down flag wasn’t just a protest—it was a plea to protect America’s national parks. With staffing shortages and declining resources, workers are asking the public and leadership to pay attention.

Through one powerful image, Yosemite’s staff reminded the nation that our parks—like our flag—deserve respect, care, and urgent attention.