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Trump Fires Entire Board
President Trump fired all six members of the San Francisco Presidio Trust board, terminating the entire board that was appointed by former President Joe Biden.
“The Administration has informed our board members that their appointments to the Presidio Trust board have been terminated”
Chairman Mark Buell said he received a brief White House email stating the terminations were effective immediately.
The Presidio Trust manages the 1,500-acre Presidio park, which has not received federal appropriations since 2013.
Trump had targeted the Trust in a February 2025 executive order calling it an unnecessary governmental entity.
The move sparked condemnation from local and state leaders, with Pelosi calling it disappointing.
Board's Legacy and Operations
The Presidio Trust was created by Congress in 1996 to manage and lease property within the federal park.
The Trust operates without federal funding, relying on leases and donations.
The park draws about 9.5 million visitors each year, more than the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone combined.
Buell noted that Trump had appointed some very qualified people to the board in 2016.
Pelosi expressed confidence that the Trust would continue to be protected by legislation.
Political Context and Reaction
Trump's move came more than a year after he issued an executive order calling for the Trust to be eliminated.
“Trump is the destroyer president, he tears down institutions that make the world better”
The Trust responded with a detailed 14-page report defending its operations.
Local leaders reacted strongly, with Supervisor Connie Chan calling it a model for good governance.
Mayor Daniel Lurie praised the previous board members as responsible stewards.
The Trust can continue to operate without board members, but only Congress can abolish it.