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Trump Admin Expands Lease for Mark Ein, Threatens Amphipod

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration overruled National Park Service objections by expanding lease boundaries to favor Mark Ein.
NPS staff warned the lease violated public-access rules, threatened the Hays Spring amphipod, and exceeded Ein’s requested area.
Internal emails reveal NPS officials coordinated with Ein before bidding, prompting legal-challenge concerns.
The Interior Department claimed the lease complied with laws despite over $1 million spent protecting the amphipod.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration overruled National Park Service objections by expanding lease boundaries to favor Mark Ein.
NPS staff warned the lease violated public-access rules, threatened the Hays Spring amphipod, and exceeded Ein’s requested area.
Internal emails reveal NPS officials coordinated with Ein before bidding, prompting legal-challenge concerns.
The Interior Department claimed the lease complied with laws despite over $1 million spent protecting the amphipod.