The president is acting on his promise to put America first. He’s delivering when other presidents wouldn’t.
And what Trump just did for Americans will have you jumping for joy.
President Donald Trump unveiled a new initiative at a lively Iowa rally on Thursday, announcing that foreign tourists will now pay higher entrance fees to visit America’s iconic national parks, while U.S. residents enjoy more affordable rates. This move, enacted through two executive orders, is designed to enhance the park experience for Americans and preserve these natural treasures for future generations.
The first executive order directs Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to “appropriately” raise entrance fees and recreation pass costs for non-residents. “To fund improvements and enhanced experiences across the park systems,” Trump declared, “I’ve just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans. And we’re going to do that. The National Parks will be about America First, we’re gonna take it America First.”
The additional revenue will be channeled into upgrading park infrastructure, ensuring that Americans have access to well-maintained facilities and unforgettable experiences in places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and beyond.
The order highlights the profound significance of America’s national parks, which have long been a backdrop for family adventures and cherished memories. “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,” Trump said in his executive order.
By increasing fees for foreign visitors, the administration aims to keep these natural wonders affordable for U.S. residents while investing in improvements that enhance accessibility and enjoyment.
To further prioritize American visitors, the order instructs Burgum to establish rules giving U.S. residents preferential treatment in situations where permits or lottery systems limit access to popular park areas. This comes at a time when national parks are experiencing unprecedented popularity, with a record 331.9 million visitors last year.
Parks like Arches in Utah and Rocky Mountain in Colorado have introduced timed-entry systems to manage crowds, and Trump’s policy ensures that Americans are prioritized to experience their own country’s natural splendor.
The order also reverses an Obama-era directive that emphasized diversity and inclusion within the National Park Service, including its workforce. Instead, Trump’s administration is focusing on making parks more accessible and enjoyable for American families, aligning with a vision of national pride and practical conservation.
The second executive order establishes the “Make America Beautiful Commission,” a dynamic team led by Burgum and including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and other key cabinet members.
This commission is tasked with giving advise to Trump on how to “responsibly conserve America’s national treasures and natural resources” while promoting activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, boating, off-roading, and wildlife viewing. By prioritizing collaboration over heavy-handed regulation, the commission will work to recover fish and wildlife populations and expand access to public lands, national forests, and wildlife refuges.
Putting Americans First Through This Executive Order
This visionary policy points to President Trump’s unwavering commitment to placing American citizens at the forefront of his administration’s priorities. By ensuring that U.S. residents pay lower fees to visit their own national parks, Trump is making it easier for families, adventurers, and nature lovers to connect with the landscapes that embody the American spirit.
From the majestic peaks of the Rockies to the serene trails of the Smokies, these parks are more than tourist destinations—they’re a birthright for every American, and this policy safeguards that legacy.
The increased fees for foreign tourists are a strategic approach to fund critical infrastructure improvements without placing additional burdens on American taxpayers. The revenue will support the upkeep of trails, visitor centers, and other facilities, ensuring that parks remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for generations to come.
This strategy not only prioritizes affordability for Americans but also reinforces the principle that the nation’s natural treasures should primarily serve its people.
The creation of the Make America Beautiful Commission further exemplifies Trump’s dedication to practical, America-first conservation. By promoting outdoor recreation and fostering collaborative efforts to protect wildlife, the commission ensures that public lands remain vibrant and accessible for activities that unite families and communities. This approach to conservation—rooted in enjoyment and responsible stewardship—sets a new benchmark for how America cares for its natural heritage.
In an era of booming global tourism, Trump’s policies deliver a powerful message: America’s national parks are a gift to its citizens, and every effort will be made to ensure they remain a source of joy, inspiration, and unity for U.S. residents. By prioritizing affordability, access, and thoughtful conservation, Trump is not only preserving these landscapes but also ensuring they remain a cornerstone of American life.
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