Fri Jul 04 16:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
President Trump signed an executive order to raise national park entrance fees for foreign visitors, aiming to fund park improvements and prioritizing U.S. residents’ access and recreational opportunities. The order also revoked an Obama-era memorandum promoting diversity and inclusion in national parks. These actions come amid staff and budget cuts within the National Park Service, while a new commission will focus on expanding access to public lands and promoting conservation efforts.
**News Article:**
**Trump Administration Hikes National Park Fees for Foreign Tourists, Prioritizes American Access**
**Washington D.C. -** In a move touted as “America First,” President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday directing the National Park Service (NPS) to raise entrance and recreation fees for foreign visitors. The goal, according to the President, is to fund improvements and enhance the experience for all park-goers.
“To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park system, I’ve just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans,” Trump declared at a rally in Iowa. “The national parks will be about America first.”
The order instructs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to develop a strategy for implementing the increased fees at all parks that currently charge for entry. The Interior Department’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal estimates the surcharge could generate over $90 million annually.
Beyond fees, the order also mandates preferential treatment for U.S. residents regarding recreational access rules, including permitting and lottery systems. The specific details of this preferential treatment are yet to be defined.
The executive order also includes the revocation of a 2017 memorandum signed by former President Obama, which aimed to promote diversity and inclusion within the national park system. This aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to scale back federal diversity initiatives.
The move comes amid a backdrop of staff and budget cuts for the NPS. The agency laid off approximately 1,000 employees in February, and the Interior Department’s proposed 2026 budget includes a cut of over $1 billion – the largest in NPS history. An analysis by the National Parks Conservation Association indicates a 24% reduction in permanent NPS staff since President Trump took office.
In a separate action, President Trump established the “Make America Beautiful Again Commission,” chaired by Secretary Burgum. The commission, spearheaded by Benji Backer of Nature Is Nonpartisan, will focus on expanding access to public lands and waters for recreation and incentivizing voluntary conservation efforts.
“Today is a great victory for the environment, but this is just the beginning,” Backer said in a statement.
CBS News has reached out to the Interior Department and the National Park Service for comment on the timeline and specific details of the fee increases.
**Updated:** July 3, 2025 / 9:45 PM EDT
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