‘Parks and Recreation’ star Nick Offerman blasts Trump budget cuts

Nick Offerman is sounding off about budget cuts to America’s national parks.

“I’d like to say the phrase that everyone loves hearing: Do you have a moment to talk about the environment?” the Parks and Recreation alum said on Tuesday’s episode of The Daily Show.

In a monologue that channeled a little bit of Ron Swanson but much more of himself, Offerman then listed the nation’s national parks as one of the many undeniable loves of his life — and slammed President Donald Trump for his handling of their preservation.

“It gives me great sorrow to report these pastoral gifts to America are under attack,” continued Offerman, sharing that national parks are facing a staffing crisis on the heels of budget cuts approved by former DOGE head and Trump appointee Elon Musk.

A news clip shared by the actor reported that personnel issues are a huge concern, with staffing down 24 percent since Trump took office, causing long lines, overflowing trash cans, and dirty bathrooms, which park scientists have been enlisted to help clean.

“That’s right. America’s parks are so underfunded now, that they’re making scientists clean the toilets,” Offerman said. “Like Good Will Hunting, but in reverse.” 

Another news report showed park rangers using risqué social media videos to promote visitation to the parks, a development that both alarmed and intrigued the Parks and Rec alum.

“Yikes! Rangers are stripping,” he said. “People, I’m worried we’re just about two months away from seeing the Grand Canyon on OnlyFans, because — it shows hole. And it does rim-to-rim action. Color me subscribed.”

In addition to prior cuts made by the Trump administration, the president’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” has cut another $267 million from the National Parks budget.

“How will he make up the money?,” Offerman asked. “The only way he knows: by shaking down foreigners.”

Earlier this month, Trump announced a plan to increase entry fees for foreign visitors in an effort to try and earn back $90 million.

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“Let me get this straight, Mr. President: You cut $267 million to get back $90 million?” Offerman pondered. “Now, I’m no mathematician, but I believe that’s called ‘s—-ing the bed’ — but then again, I didn’t go to Wharton Business College.”

The actor, who has also penned a book about his affection for America’s great outdoors, then stressed the importance of defending the national parks, quipping, “Let’s face it: America without its national parks is like McDonald’s without the hamburgers — you can still go there, I guess, but at that point, it’s kind of just a bathroom.”

Watch more of Offerman’s Daily Show visit in the video above.