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Trump to meet with Mormon leaders while in Utah to shrink Bears Ears, Grand Staircase monuments

Leah Hogsten  |  The Salt Lake Tribune
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Infinity Event Center, Friday, March 18, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Infinity Event Center, Friday, March 18, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

President Donald Trump is coming to Utah on Monday to announce his decision to shrink the Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase national monuments. On his first trip to Utah as president, he’ll also meet with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, organized the meeting that is scheduled to include a visit to Welfare Square, a church complex dedicated to serving needy people.

“In the past, Sen. Hatch has arranged similar visits for presidents and takes great pride in showcasing this iconic facility,” said Matt Whitlock, Hatch’s spokesman.

Such courtesy visits have become standard when a president or other dignitary visits Salt Lake City, the headquarters of the Mormon faith.

Former President Barack Obama met with LDS leaders during his overnight stay in Salt Lake City in April 2015.

Trump is not expected to stay overnight.

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