Enhancing the Aesthetics of America Once More through Parks Renovation
In a move aimed at enhancing affordability and access for U.S. residents, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on July 3, 2025, which proposes to increase national park entry fees specifically for foreign tourists. The policy, designed to ensure fairness and put Americans first, includes several key aspects.
The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a fee increase exclusively on non-U.S. residents, making visits to national parks more affordable and enjoyable for American families. This change prioritises the needs of U.S. residents in any permitting or reservation systems for national parks, ensuring expanded opportunities for Americans to enjoy these national treasures.
The revenue generated from the higher fees on foreign visitors is expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars and will be used to fund conservation projects, reduce maintenance backlogs, construct critical infrastructure, and improve overall park services. The policy addresses growing concerns about the maintenance backlog in national parks, emphasising that the increased funds will help reduce this backlog, which had grown significantly under the previous administration.
The administration frames this policy as ensuring fairness because American taxpayers fund national parks, yet foreign visitors who do not pay these taxes currently pay the same entrance fees. By increasing fees for foreigners, the administration aims to make the fee structure fairer for U.S. citizens.
The Secretary of the Interior is also tasked with developing a strategy to increase revenue and improve the recreational experience at national parks. The order instructs the Secretary to work with the Secretary of Agriculture to improve services and affordability for U.S. residents visiting national parks. Furthermore, the Secretary is to review all rules and policies related to public use of national parks and take actions to ensure management consistent with the policy of the order.
The order also encourages international tourism to national parks, particularly underutilised areas, by having the Secretary of the Interior work with the Secretary of State. The Secretary is to review all rules and policies related to public use of national parks and take actions to ensure management consistent with the policy of the order.
It is important to note that the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget are not affected by this order, and the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof is not affected either. The costs for publication of the order are borne by the Department of the Interior.
Finally, it should be noted that the President, by authority of the Constitution and laws of the United States, has ordered an increase in entry fees for foreign tourists at national parks. However, the order does not create any right or benefit enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities.
This Executive Order embodies the administration’s goal of putting Americans first by adjusting fee structures to favour U.S. residents and enhance their experience and access while securing additional resources for park preservation through higher fees on international visitors.
- culture: This Executive Order embodies the administration’s goal of putting Americans first, highlighting the importance of cultural values in decision-making.
- lifestyle: By increasing national park entry fees specifically for foreign tourists, the administration aims to enhance the lifestyle and experience of American families, fostering a more affordable and enjoyable outdoor-living.
- policy-and-legislation, politics, general-news: The policy addressing national park entry fees has generated significant discussions in various spheres, including policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news, as it prioritizes home-and-garden interests for U.S. residents.
