U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a sharp increase in national park entry fees for foreign visitors, a move he said would help keep access affordable for Americans and prioritize domestic tourism as the country begins its 250th birthday celebrations.
Speaking to supporters at a rally in Iowa, Trump declared, “For this anniversary, I’ve just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans. The national parks will be about America First.”
The order, signed earlier Thursday, directs the U.S. Departments of the Interior and State to promote international tourism to U.S. parks, even as it raises fees for non-citizens. According to the White House, the additional revenue will be used to upgrade infrastructure and “enhance enjoyment” across the country’s 400-plus national parks and monuments.
It marks a rare environmental move by the president, who is often criticized for his skepticism of climate change and environmental protections.
However, the order also revokes a 2017 directive by former President Barack Obama aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the national park system, part of Trump’s broader campaign against DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs.
While Trump’s supporters praised the policy as a patriotic push to make parks more accessible to Americans, critics argue it contradicts the administration’s own staffing decisions. Conservation groups noted that hundreds of permanent National Park Service employees have been laid off since Trump took office in January, raising concerns ahead of the busy summer travel season.
Despite the backlash, the president vowed the changes would “make our parks better, safer, and more beautiful, just like our country.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
