Trump welded research into 'monuments'

washington - US President Donald Trump ordered a decree on Wednesday to keep so-called national monuments on display. This research should show, among other things, which protected areas may lose their special status or be reduced in size.

Trump signed the presidential decree during a ceremony at the Ministry of the Interior. He said the decree was intended to put an end to 'the flagrant abuse of federal power'. The president believes that states should have a leading role in designating protected areas.

President Trump also wants to open more areas for drilling, mining and other land developments. Minister Ryan Zinke (Interior Affairs) had previously said that he would keep some thirty national monuments on display.

The governor did not dare say if Trump could indeed revert the monument status of an area. 'It has never happened before and we do not know if the president can do it. '