Former President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order directing the National Park Service to raise entry and recreation fees for foreign tourists, while keeping costs steady for American citizens. The move is framed as a way to prioritize U.S. residents and generate new revenue for park improvements.
Interior Department Tasked with Strategy
The order instructs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to develop and implement a plan targeting non-citizen visitors with adjusted pricing. The new surcharge will apply to any national park currently charging for entry and is expected to be enforced system-wide.
“America First” Message Behind the Move
Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump announced the order, stating, “The national parks belong to the American people. We’re putting America first — that means keeping our parks accessible for Americans and asking foreign tourists to pay a little more to help preserve them.”
Fee Structure Details Still Pending
Though implementation details are yet to be finalized, early projections from the Interior Department estimate the new fees could bring in over $90 million annually. Current entrance fees vary, with popular parks such as Yellowstone and Yosemite charging $20 per person or $35 per vehicle. The popular “America the Beautiful” pass, valid nationwide, remains priced at $80.
Americans to Receive Preferential Access
The executive order also introduces a controversial clause giving U.S. residents priority in permit-based or lottery reservation systems such as those used for high-traffic parks during peak seasons. Specific guidelines on how this will be enforced are still under development.
Obama-Era Diversity Policies Rolled Back
As part of the same executive action, Trump repealed a 2017 memorandum signed under President Obama that encouraged diversity and inclusion within national parks. Critics view the move as part of a broader rollback of equity initiatives across federal agencies.
Park Service Staffing and Budget Cuts Continue
The executive order comes amid a downsizing effort that has seen around 1,000 Park Service employees laid off in recent months. Since Trump took office, the National Park Service’s permanent staff has shrunk by 24 percent. The Interior Department’s 2026 budget proposal includes a further $1 billion cut to the agency, the largest in its history.
Make America Beautiful Again Commission Launched
In a related announcement, Trump established a new federal body, the Make America Beautiful Again Commission. The group is tasked with expanding public access to lands and promoting voluntary conservation. It will be chaired by Secretary Burgum and was initiated by environmental advocate Benji Backer.
“This is a big win for the environment, and we’re just getting started,” Backer said, noting the effort’s bipartisan goals and conservation-focused mission.
Controversial Land Sale Clause Dropped from New Bill
Trump’s actions coincided with the passage of a revised conservation bill that initially proposed the sale of public lands for development. That clause was removed before the bill reached the president’s desk for signing, following strong opposition from conservation groups.
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