Utah residents and politicians took to social media Monday in anticipation of President Donald Trump’s visit to announce major changes to two of the state’s national monuments.

Sources familiar with the trip confirmed Tuesday that Trump plans to announce that he’ll shrink both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments today. The Washington Post obtained leaked documents Tuesday that suggest Trump will strip protections from two of the nation’s most scientifically significant landscapes, the Kaiparowits Plateau and Cedar Mesa. The order likely came from recommendations Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke made earlier this year.

The recommendations have earned both praise and criticism across the state. Here’s a live look at what people are saying today:

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes: “Today, with the designation of five new monument units, President Trump has taken a historic step to correct the hubris of past administrations. The new designations are much closer in scope to the ‘smallest areas compatible with proper care and management’ of protected objects, as required by the Antiquities Act. These corrections were made after extensive input from local citizens and interests, including tribal members, conservationists, ranchers, hunters, business owners and elected representatives. President Trump and Secretary Zinke have found a balance that considers the needs of our local communities and still protects the singular, stunning, and sacred lands of our state for future generations. Over the history of the Antiquities Act, national monuments have been reviewed and modified by subsequent presidents. It is no surprise, given the disproportionate original designations, that President Trump would reduce these monuments to be more consistent with the intent of the Antiquities Act. Such remedial measures would not be necessary if Congress would clarify the limits of initial monument designations. I echo the statement of Secretary Zinke that executive power under the Act is no substitute for congressional action. We are hopeful that our elected representatives in Washington, D.C. will pass legislation that makes political games with Utah’s public lands less likely in the future. The Utah Attorney General’s Office will continue to monitor the process with interest and will continue to protect Utah, its people, and its lands, from federal overreach.”



Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Erik Molvar: “This effort to open up our national monuments to looting for private profit cannot be allowed to stand. America is getting fed up with politically connected good-old-boys and their cronies in Washington who think they can pillage and plunder the national treasures of our public lands. These National Monuments are the priceless inheritance of our grandchildren, and are sacred to the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Ute peoples. They deserve sound stewardship and protection, and their fragile and spectacular public lands and the natural communities they support must be shielded from the ravages of industrial use and commercial exploitation. We’re fighters, and we won’t stand for these attacks on National Monuments, and neither will the voting public.”

FreedomWorks Foundation President Adam Brandon: “Today we applaud President Trump, Interior Secretary Zinke, and their teams for arriving at this reasonable approach to these national monuments. We agree that priceless historic and natural wonders should be protected for future generations to enjoy. However, we find it despicable that the previous administration preyed on this nonpartisan sentiment in order to achieve political objectives that included expanding the power of the federal government over the states and obstructing industries they didn’t like. Unilaterally declaring national monuments larger than some states is ridiculous on its face. We know our activists in Utah and across the country appreciate the Trump administration’s more humble approach to the power of his pen and phone.”

Chris Saeger, executive director of the Western Values Project: “This decision is a dangerous turn in our nation’s approach to protecting the places that have forged the Western way of life. The fact that an American president would unlawfully remove protections on iconic public lands for political gain should deeply disturb anyone who wants these places, which are a birthright to our children, to continue to benefit all of us. For his part, Secretary Zinke should be ashamed of his role in this craven decision to allow special interests to exploit the kinds of places President Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act to protect. Fortunately, legal experts overwhelmingly agree that undoing these protections is unlawful and will not stand. Future generations are counting on our system of checks and balances to stand up to this shocking abuse of power.”

Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah): “The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument resides in my district. I have seen firsthand the damage that the monument has caused to the local economy. My constituents have been in a desperate need of change, and today President Trump delivered. President Trump had the courage that no other president had. He listened to local voices that had been left out of the decision-making process for too long. On behalf of the county commissioners, the state legislators who represent the area, and the entire federal delegation, we say thank you, Mr. President.”

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): “President Trump did the people of Utah a great favor today by rolling back harmful land use restrictions in southern Utah,” Sen. Lee said. “The president has done his part and now it is time for Congress to act to protect the people of Utah from federal overreach in the future. That is why I will be introducing legislation later this week that would give Utah similar protections from Antiquities Act abuse that the states of Wyoming and Alaska currently enjoy.”

We’ve been blindsided by elitist interests. Grateful that Utah’s voice is heard today. #RescindBearsEars — Connor Jones (@connorelliotj) December 4, 2017

Rep. John Curtis (UT-3): “I am grateful to President for coming to Utah to help us resolve this important issue. Now that the President has created two new monuments in my congressional district, the time has come for congress to ensure that these sites are managed the right way. In the coming days, I look forward to introducing legislation to ensure we are just doing that.”

Teddy Roosevelt just rolled in his grave #MonumentsForAll — Stephen Rumbolo (@Stephen_rum) December 4, 2017

Executive Director of The Center for Western Priorities Jennifer Rokala: “Today President Trump is sacrificing tribal heritage, paleontological discoveries, and the small business owners who drive America’s outdoor economy, all in the name of coal, oil, and uranium. We’ve never seen an attack on America’s parks and public lands at this scale.“This is the Trump legacy. He is the first president in American history to try to strip protections from millions of acres set aside for our children and grandchildren.”

From Boyd Matheson, Sutherland Institute president: “The changes brought about by the president’s actions were truly the culmination of countless, and often thankless hours of effort by an army of individuals and groups. The president listened to the combined voices of citizens, tribal members, small communities, and elected officials from the county, state and federal levels. The president’s action today is worth celebrating. The way that this reduction in monument size actually came about is worth emulating. The process of getting to good policy is a team effort and the ultimate credit should go to the Utah model – everyone doing their part.”

Next level pettiness: Trump erases 70 years of federal public land policy while “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” plays in the background. #MonumentsForAll — Colin Deverell (@CDeverell) December 4, 2017

From Matthew Anderson, director of Sutherland Institute’s Coalition for Self-Government in the West: “Without substantive reform to the Antiquities Act, our national monuments will continue to be popular political footballs being punted back and forth with each change in presidential administration. No one wins in such a kicking game – not our public lands, not the antiquities themselves, and certainly not the people who live in the West’s rural communities. It’s time for all sides to draw on their shared love of public lands and come to a permanent solution.”

Well, we can now pretty much say good bye to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments. @POTUS just announced that he will be reducing their land size. #SaveBearsEars #SaveGrandStaircase #MonumentsForAll — Connor (@RIMapping) December 4, 2017

Americans for Prosperity Vice President of External Affairs, Chrissy Harbin released the following statement: “Previous administrations abused their power under the Antiquities Act in order to keep land off limits. President Trump and Secretary Zinke’s actions in reviewing and resizing past administration’s monument designations is a welcome step in reducing government overreach. We will continue to work with lawmakers in Congress and the Department of Interior to prioritize conservation efforts, encourage sustainable economic development, and empower the voice of local communities.”

Rolling back protections for these treasured places is yet another example of how @realDonaldTrump is raiding our public lands for private profits.#MonumentsForAll #StandWithBearsEars #SaveGrandStaircase https://t.co/GNGRCnmnwR — Rep. Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) December 4, 2017

Americans for Prosperity-Utah’s State Director, Evelyn Everton released the following statement: “President Trump’s decision to resize these national monuments after historic federal land seizures is a huge victory for the state of Utah. With over $18 billion of maintenance work needed on federal lands managed by federal agencies, the federal government has proven to be a poor caretaker of federal lands. We applaud the Trump administration’s actions in ensuring local economies that depend on the land’s resources will not be harmed and important historic objects and sites at national monuments will be protected. This will increase economic competitiveness, especially in rural parts of the state.”



@realDonaldTrump , but did you call any of the tribal leaders? #StandWithBearsEars — Tracy Stone-Manning (@StoneManning) December 4, 2017

These public lands belong to all Americans. Opening them up to mining and drilling against the will of the people is unacceptable. #MonumentsforAllhttps://t.co/uJQ7MpxN1B — Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) December 4, 2017

With #TrumpinUtah today I would like to say thank you for making the Bear Ears National Monument smaller and saving my little town of Blanding, Utah and everything it stands for. Truly thank you President Trump #trumpthemonument #nomonument — Tomey (@_foxy_t) December 4, 2017

America’s public lands and waters are under attack! @realDonaldTrump & @SecretaryZinke are eliminating protections for national #MonumentsForAll. Proud to cosponsor H.R. 4518 to protect Bears Ears National Monument. #StandWithBearsEars pic.twitter.com/W62nNcinJB — Rep. Ted Lieu (@RepTedLieu) December 4, 2017

We’ve been blindsided by elitist interests. Grateful that Utah’s voice is heard today. #RescindBearsEars — Connor Jones (@connorelliotj) December 4, 2017

Getting a bit emotional over this great day. I love San Juan County. They are amazing people who never backed down from a very intense fight. Hard work pays off! #BearsEars #TrumpThisMonument pic.twitter.com/qf18aMe33C — Emily Samantha (@EmilyBleaz) December 4, 2017

DNC Chair Tom Perez: “President Trump’s decision to shrink these national monuments and open them up to oil, gas and mining companies is an appalling overreach of his authority. Trump would rather sell off our public lands to the highest bidder than preserve our greatest natural resources. Even worse, opening up these lands to corporate exploitation will desecrate some of the most important cultural sites considered sacred by many Native American tribes in the region, betraying our government’s commitments to those Native communities. Democrats are committed to standing up against the Trump administration’s efforts to auction off our public lands to special interests and corporate polluters. And we’ll fight tooth and nail to protect our most sacred natural parks, lands, and monuments for future generations.”

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke: “The president is doing this for the right reasons, to make sure Utah has a voice."



House Speaker Greg Hughes: “The little guy’s wish was heard. The community’s voice was heard.”



San Juan County Commissioner Rebecca Benally: “Thank you, President Trump. Thank you for not being a typical politician and passing us over.”

But on a side note, seeing President @realDonaldTrump meeting President @NelsonRussellM and President @EyringHB just now is so exciting! As is watching him #RescindBearsEars. Christmas came early! But I’m hoping he holds a rally tonight. It’s my dream to go to one someday. #MAGA — Marc loves Ashlee (@MarclovesAshlee) December 4, 2017

Rhea Suh, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council: “This is unprecedented — and it’s illegal. Presidents use the Antiquities Act to create national monuments and protect our special lands and waters for future generations. This president thinks he can use it to destroy them, grabbing the iconic landscapes and marine areas all Americans own, and handing them over to polluters and private interests. He does not have that authority. We will stand up for the millions of people who’ve asked the Trump administration to preserve — and not rip apart — our national monuments. What’s next, President Trump — the Grand Canyon? See you in court.”

A rich man's playground should never come at the expense of a working man's home. #BearsEars #TrumpThisMonument pic.twitter.com/Elzrh7ECUz — Boyd Matheson (@BoydMatheson) December 4, 2017

Former Gov. Mike Leavitt: “The process of using the Antiquities Act to set aside vast areas of land was not the intent of that law, and it was not the appropriate process to go through. But I think there is land there that should be protected. I believe there were other designations they could have used other than a national monument to provide protection. “

There are other ways - better ways - to protect the land. The federal gov't has overreached & disrespected locals. #TrumpThisMonument pic.twitter.com/7NHRYM7Rkk — CSG-W (@selfgovwest) March 13, 2017

Utah Democratic Party Chairman Daisy Thomas: "Today, the President has come to Utah to rob Americans of their natural inheritances, public lands, and to perpetuate injustice against the First Nations of the Southwest. His actions are overreaching and damaging to the traditions of the Executive Office. Republican or Democrat, we all agree that a President whose sole agenda is to reverse the actions of a former President is dangerous and counterproductive."

Here at the @UTStateCapitol to support @POTUS's decision to reduce the massive size of 2 monuments in Utah.



Tribal chapters in support of #BearsEars don’t live in San Juan County. The local chapter says #TrumpThisMonument. I stand with the locals. pic.twitter.com/VuM1NSZGQE — Matt Anderson (@1manderson1) December 4, 2017

Welcome to Utah Mr. President! — Jenny (@Jen_momof4) December 4, 2017

Phil Lyman, San Juan County Commissioner: “It’s momentous,” he said, adding he wants more action to halt gamesmanship by future presidents. “For me, it’s a first down. We’re looking for a touchdown. We need the Antiquities Act [that allow presidents to create monuments] reined in so that we don’t just become a football punched back and forth in the monument debate,” Lyman said. “We’d like to see Congress act so we have certainty about the future.”

So proud of my son! I’ll put this in his baby book as “Baby’s First Protest.” pic.twitter.com/YYpCgolbj4 — Stephanie Peterson❄️ (@steffiej) December 4, 2017

I've never seen a place, supposedly protected by government as a park or a monument, that wasn't eventually destroyed by tourism. #BearsEar #TrumpThisMonument — Gary Lankford (@gary_lankford) December 4, 2017

Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy: “It puts us in a position where we may let the process work, instead of one person deciding. There was a process where people were coming together, but the previous president [Obama] circumvented that, and decided without listening to all the parties,” he said. “Now we can come together. We believe in the process.”

Much like when the White Walkers show up, the first major snow storm of the year coincides with @realDonaldTrump arriving in #Utah to bring death to our #publiclands



#bearsears #SaveGrandStaircase — Joshua DeRosa (@bonafidechicken) December 4, 2017

Grab a sign, get to Salt Lake City or click the link in our profile to join us at the Public Lands Rally.⠀ ⠀ Today we stand #StandWithBearsEars. ⠀ #SaveGrandStaircaseEscalante Photo: Jeff Foott A post shared by Patagonia (@patagonia) on Dec 2, 2017 at 9:50am PST

U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah: “The hard part starts now. It was easy to come to where we are today. Now we are going to have to up our game and put into statute the protections we are talking about today. It’s not that easy. It’s been done in the past. It can happen again.”

President Trump can renew the American Dream for rural Americans in Utah! #TrumpThisMonument. #BearsEars https://t.co/eISIUFH9I4 — Matt Anderson (@1manderson1) December 4, 2017

#BearsEars locals support a massive size reduction. In fact, they never wanted the monument designation. It is time they are respected. #TrumpThisMonument https://t.co/4Fd6LHI2uW — Emily Samantha (@EmilyBleaz) December 4, 2017

Utah House Majority Leader Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville: “We appreciate him very much listening to our resolutions earlier this year. This is very important for the state, both to have this issue resolved in a way that we think is more equitable — but also to have our voice hear. It’s great,” Wilson said.

“Loss of the monument would be a scientific tragedy.” Scientists explain why reducing the current boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante would greatly damage this “living laboratory.” https://t.co/cFiCeSVurQ #MonumentsForAll #SaveGrandStaircase @POTUS @SecretaryZinke pic.twitter.com/2JJXqcuHFD — National Parks Conservation Association (@NPCA) December 4, 2017

Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab: “This is an amazing day. We’ve been waiting for this 21 years,” he said. “We’ve been waiting since 1996 to have this downsized. The majority of people are 100 percent supportive of it. We’re excited. I have all my family here to see it.”

Pres. Trump’s expected actions today will make him the most anti-conservation, president in our history. He will be challenged by tribes and thoughtful citizens that recognize that some places are too special to develop. https://t.co/92XNaAQ3H2 — Sally Jewell (@sallyjewell) December 4, 2017

The Bears Ears announcement today is a victory for local Utahns despite all the money spent from NYC, SF, and LA to influence the decision. — Jack Gerard (@jackgerard) December 4, 2017

Today I couldn't be more PROUD to say I am SAN JUAN COUNTY UTAH born and raised! Thank you to those that didn't stop fighting for us and for the land that we love! #TRUMPTHISMONUMENT #RESCINDBEARSEARS — Jennifer Conway (@fernc0309) December 4, 2017

🔜 @realDonaldTrump will take courageous action in Utah to protect #BearsEars and #GrandStaircase within the #AntiquitiesAct



Similar reductions have occurred at least 18 times before #utpol pic.twitter.com/ih5kGMgG9P — Natural Resources (@NatResources) December 4, 2017

Reducing the #BearsEars monument is about protecting locals and their children's future. #TrumpThisMonument pic.twitter.com/e5tODfQSRS — Sutherland Institute (@SutherlandInst) December 3, 2017

President Trump plans to shrink #BearsEars National Monument by 85% - handing over 1.35 million acres to drilling & mining corporations. The #ArcticRefuge, #BearsEars, #GrandStaircaseEscalante… what’s next? #MonumentsForAll — Sen. Maria Cantwell (@SenatorCantwell) December 4, 2017

While being pissed about Trump shrinking #BearsEars by up to 90 percent, save some anger for Grand Staircase, where my brother-in-law found much-needed peace while on leave from Iraq. pic.twitter.com/jhVGlUZpCF — Krista Langlois (@cestmoiLanglois) December 4, 2017

@realDonaldTrump please don't be remembered as the president who decimated private lands. #BearsEars is an amazing place; take a hike into remote archaeological sites before you scrap it. — Lynn Lary (@lynnlary) December 4, 2017

Just one more thing to be distraught over...I enjoyed such a beautiful time with my family at Grand Staircase-Escalante just a week ago. So tired of waking up to this crap. #goodreasonstobeangry #GrandStaircaseEscalante #BearsEars — Zoe Dostal (@ZoeDostal) December 4, 2017

Bears Ears National Monument is trending @realDonaldTrump This is NOT what Utahns or America wants, turn back. pic.twitter.com/Aw3gaNOQvB — TerryTempestWilliams (@TempestWilliams) December 4, 2017

Bears Ears like all other natural spaces that are exploited for unsustainable short term profit: once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Forget America the Beautiful. — paulA neves (@Itinerantmuse) December 4, 2017

Abolishing public land & ocean protections puts America’s heritage at risk. RT to urge @realDonaldTrump: Keep #MonumentsForAll intact! — Chelsea Kammerer (@ChelseaKammerer) December 4, 2017

.@realDonaldTrump No cuts! KEEP protections in place for #wildlife and vital habitats across all our wild national monuments. #SaveGrandStaircase #StandWithBearsEars — Pamela E. Ice (@profpice) December 4, 2017

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