Trump administration poised to raise national park fees for foreign visitors

President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell for nature lovers worldwide with a bold new policy on national park fees.

On Thursday, during a spirited rally in Iowa, Trump unveiled a plan to charge foreign tourists more for entry to America’s iconic national parks while keeping costs down for U.S. residents, alongside signing two executive orders to bolster park infrastructure and prioritize American access, as the Daily Wire reports.

This isn’t just about dollars and cents — it’s a clear signal that the administration is putting American families first when it comes to enjoying the nation’s natural wonders. Trump’s announcement comes at a time when parks are bursting at the seams, with a staggering 331.9 million visitors recorded in 2024. No surprise, then, that places like Arches in Utah and Rocky Mountain in Colorado have had to roll out timed-entry programs to manage the crowds.

Putting American families first

Let’s break down the first executive order, which directs Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to hike fees for non-residents at national parks. The extra revenue from these increased charges will fund much-needed improvements to park infrastructure, making these treasures more accessible and affordable for Americans. It’s a practical move — why shouldn’t those who call this land home get the best deal?

But there’s more to this order than just fees — it also instructs Burgum to set up rules that give U.S. residents an edge in lottery systems and permitting for restricted park areas. If you’ve ever been edged out of a coveted spot by a tourist with deeper pockets, this might just be the fairness you’ve been waiting for. Turns out, prioritizing locals isn’t such a radical idea after all.

Interestingly, this same order scraps an Obama-era directive focused on diversity and inclusion within the National Park Service, including its workforce. While some may cry foul over abandoning progressive policies, the administration seems laser-focused on a different kind of inclusion — one that centers on American access over global optics. It’s a shift in priorities, plain and simple.

Trump’s vision for national treasures emerges

Trump didn’t mince words when laying out his reasoning, stating, “The National Parks will be about America First.” That’s a rallying cry for anyone tired of seeing national treasures treated as global playgrounds while American families struggle with costs. If that’s not a wake-up call for policy wonks pushing endless inclusivity over practicality, what is?

In the executive order itself, Trump painted a vivid picture, writing, “From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories.” He doubled down, emphasizing that his administration’s policy is to preserve these experiences for future U.S. generations by adjusting fees and boosting affordability for residents. It’s hard to argue with a vision that keeps the American dream alive in our wilderness.

That brings us to the second executive order, which establishes the “Make America Beautiful Commission,” a powerhouse group including Secretary Burgum, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and other key cabinet figures. This commission isn’t just for show — it’s tasked with advising the president on conserving national treasures and natural resources responsibly. Imagine that: a government body focused on results, not red tape.

Expanding access to public lands

The commission’s mission also includes crafting policies to recover fish and wildlife populations through collaboration instead of heavy-handed regulation. In a world where bureaucrats often strangle innovation with rules, this approach feels like a breath of fresh air. Could this be the start of a conservation model that actually works for everyone?

Moreover, the commission is charged with expanding access to public lands, national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. They’re also promoting a wide array of outdoor activities — think hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, boating, off-roading, and wildlife viewing. It’s a nod to the rugged American spirit that thrives on adventure, not armchair activism.

Trump himself summed up the fee hike rationale at the Iowa rally, declaring, “To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park systems, I’ve just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans.” That’s not just policy — it’s a promise to ensure our parks remain a legacy for U.S. families, not just a tourist trap. And frankly, it’s about time someone drew that line in the sand.

A bold step for conservation

Critics might argue this move risks alienating international visitors, but let’s be real — America’s parks are first and foremost for Americans to cherish. The record-breaking visitor numbers in 2024 show that demand isn’t going anywhere, and a slight fee adjustment for foreigners won’t dim the allure of Yosemite or Yellowstone. If anything, it’s a reminder that national pride still has a place in policy.

At its core, this dual-executive-order approach signals a broader shift toward practicality over political correctness in how we manage our natural wonders. By focusing on infrastructure, affordability for citizens, and expanded recreational access, the administration is betting that Americans want results, not rhetoric. And who could blame them for tuning out the usual hand-wringing over global fairness?

So, as the dust settles on this announcement from last week, one thing is clear: Trump’s team is playing hardball to keep America’s parks as a birthright for its people. Whether you’re a camper, a hunter, or just someone who loves a good sunset over the Smokies, this policy might just ensure your next trip isn’t priced out by an overcrowded, underfunded system. Turns out, putting your own house in order first isn’t such a bad idea after all.