President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order raising fees on foreign tourists to U.S. national parks, while reducing or leaving untouched for American citizens.

The move, under his "America First" policy, is designed to raise more money for park upkeep and preservation work.

The White House stated that the increased foreign visitor fees will generate hundreds of millions of dollars to cover deferred maintenance and improve park facilities across the country.

Speaking at a rally at the Iowa State Fair, Trump said, “To fund improvements and enhance experiences across our park system, I’ve signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans. The national parks will be about America first.”

The directive instructs the Department of the Interior to increase entry fees for foreign nationals but does not specify the amount or duration. It is also requested that Americans are prioritized over foreigners in reservation and permit arrangements to visit the parks.

Trump emphasized in the order that the mission is to enable generations of Americans to enjoy reasonably the country's natural wonders, declaring, "It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families." In addition to the fee changes, Trump also revoked a 2017 Obama-era memo meant to boost diversity within the National Park Service.

In the eyes of the administration, American citizens already shoulder a greater share of the operating costs of the parks, not only through entrance fees but also via federal taxes, in effect subsidizing foreign tourists' visits. The executive order is made against the backdrop of Trump's request to cut over $1 billion from the budget of the Park Service in 2026, cutting the money by over a third less than it was in last year's budget. Critics warn this will further deepén already spartan staffing levels throughout the park system.

Trump unveiled the policy in a victory celebration after the passage of his legislative bill, the "Big Beautiful Bill," which has priority items for his second-term agenda. The celebration was also the inauguration of his "America 250" campaign, a one-year commemoration prior to the nation's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Reminding his vow to initiate the party in Iowa, Trump said, "Two years ago I vowed the party would begin right here at the Iowa State Fairgrounds—and tonight, here I am. Promises kept."

He also referred to the recent anniversary of the Butler, Pennsylvania rally, where he had narrowly avoided an assassination attempt, adding a note of humor to the moment when a loud popping sound cut him short during his speech: "It's only fireworks—I hope. Famous last words," he joked.

Trump will officially sign the "Big Beautiful Bill" on Friday as part of Fourth of July celebrations at the White House, where there will be a military flyover with B-2 bombers. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.