Imagine heading out to Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon and finding out your ticket costs less—if you’re an American.
That’s exactly what former President Donald Trump is aiming for with his latest executive action.
As part of his ongoing “America First” push, Trump has signed a new order that would raise entrance fees for foreign visitors to U.S. national parks while keeping costs lower for Americans.
Foreign Visitors to Pay More to Fund Park Improvements
According to a statement from the White House, this move is expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in extra revenue.
The funds will go toward conservation efforts and much-needed maintenance projects across national parks, which have long struggled with funding gaps and staffing shortages.
Trump Makes the Announcement at High-Energy Iowa Rally
Trump shared the news during a packed rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday.
The event was more than just a campaign stop—it marked the beginning of his “America 250” celebration, a year-long tribute leading up to the country’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
“With this executive order, we’re making sure national parks stay beautiful, stay funded, and stay American,” Trump told a cheering crowd.
“Foreign tourists will pay more, and Americans will get the benefits.”
Executive Order Focuses on ‘America First’ in National Parks
The new directive calls on the Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, to increase entrance fees for non-residents.
It doesn’t give exact figures or timelines yet, but it clearly emphasizes putting U.S. residents first in reservations, permits, and pricing.
Trump also used the moment to reverse an earlier policy from the Obama era that encouraged diversity and inclusion in national parks staffing and programs.
His administration believes the priority now is to make parks more accessible and affordable for American families.
Americans Already Pay More Than It Seems
Here’s something many people don’t realize: U.S. citizens already subsidize national parks through taxes, in addition to their admission fees.
Foreign visitors, however, only pay for entry.
The Trump administration argues that increasing their fees is a fair way to even out the contribution and boost park funding without placing more burden on American taxpayers.
Budget Cuts vs. New Revenue Strategy
The announcement comes at an interesting time.
Despite the new revenue plan, the Trump administration is also proposing a massive $1 billion cut to the Park Service’s 2026 budget—about a third of its current funding.
This follows earlier reductions to the federal workforce, which have already left parks understaffed and overwhelmed.
Victory Lap: Trump Celebrates Legislative Win
The Iowa event was also part celebration.
Just hours before, Trump scored a major political win when Congress passed his so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping legislative package loaded with his top agenda items.
It was a narrow victory in the GOP-controlled House, but one he described as the best gift for America’s birthday.
Festivities Planned for July 4 and Beyond
Trump plans to officially sign the bill during Fourth of July festivities at the White House, complete with B-2 bomber flyovers—the same aircraft recently involved in military operations over Iran.
This celebration is just the kickoff.
Over the next year, events are planned nationwide leading up to the monumental 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Reflecting on a Near-Death Experience
Before wrapping up his speech, Trump took a moment to remember a dark moment from last year: the assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
That anniversary is coming up in just ten days.
In typical Trump fashion, he kept the tone light—even when loud fireworks popped off during his Thursday address.
“Don’t worry, it’s only fireworks,” he joked.
“Famous last words, right?”
The crowd roared with laughter, and someone shouted back his now-famous quote from that near-deadly moment: “Fight, fight, fight!”
What’s Next?
With America’s 250th birthday on the horizon, Trump’s message is clear: he wants to put Americans first, not just in politics, but even in how we explore and enjoy our country’s most breathtaking natural treasures.
Stay tuned—there’s still a year of fireworks, policies, and campaign twists ahead.