Trump's Forest Service Cuts Avoid Wildfire Fallout, for Now

President Trump has largely avoided political backlash from his administration's cuts to the Forest Service, thanks to favorable weather and increased state resources that have helped contain wildfires this year. However, concerns remain about the long-term impact of federal reductions.
In 2025, the Trump administration removed approximately 5,000 Forest Service workers through early retirement and buyout programs, including 1,600 with wildland firefighting expertise. Democratic lawmakers and state officials warned that these cuts could lead to disaster, particularly in fire-prone regions.
Despite these concerns, as of mid-August, the worst fears had not materialized. Favorable weather conditions, including adequate rainfall and cooler temperatures in parts of the West, have helped limit wildfire activity. State fire officials and Forest Service workers noted that current personnel and resources have been sufficient to manage blazes.
Steve Ellis, a former Forest Service supervisor and now chair of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, commented, "He’s gotten lucky in a way. You’re not really going to look bad until fire gets going and you don’t have enough resources. When resources get short, that’s when these things are noticed."
While luck and weather have mitigated the impact of Trump's cuts, officials remain vigilant about the potential consequences of reduced federal capacity in future fire seasons.

Published: 8/15/2025