Mon Jul 07 18:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
President Trump has signed an executive order impacting America’s national parks. The order calls for higher entry and recreation fees for international tourists, aiming to generate revenue for infrastructure improvements. It also prioritizes recreational access for US residents and revokes a previous memorandum promoting diversity and inclusion efforts within the parks. This follows Trump’s earlier move to end government diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
**News Article:**
**Trump Order Hikes National Park Fees for Foreign Tourists, Ends Diversity Initiatives**
WASHINGTON – International tourists visiting America’s iconic national parks will soon face higher entry fees, according to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order, issued July 3, mandates increased charges for non-U.S. residents seeking access to parks and recreation passes.
The move, which Trump states aims to “preserve these opportunities for American families,” will funnel revenue generated from the higher fees into infrastructure improvements and enhancements across federal recreation sites. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum echoed these commitments on X.
In addition to the fee hike, the executive order prioritizes recreational access for U.S. residents, potentially granting them preferential treatment in permitting and lottery systems.
The order also rescinds a 2017 presidential memorandum from the Obama administration that promoted diversity and inclusion initiatives within national parks. This memorandum had aimed to improve access for all Americans and incorporate diverse perspectives in the management of park resources and historical narratives. This follows the Trump administration’s previous action of ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The National Park Service has been contacted for comment on the new executive order. The implications of these changes on park visitation and the park system are expected to unfold in the coming months.
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