Trump raises national park fees for foreign tourists amid funding crisis
- The U.S. National Park Service has imposed higher entrance fees on foreign visitors to boost funding.
- Lawmakers are working on a bill to make these fee hikes permanent amid ongoing staffing and budgetary challenges.
- Despite potential revenue increases, experts worry about the long-term sustainability of national parks if staffing shortages and maintenance backlogs are not addressed.
In July 2025, President Donald Trump implemented an executive order titled 'Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks', which raised entrance fees for international visitors to U.S. national parks. This move aims to enhance funding for the National Park Service (NPS), which has faced significant staffing shortages, after nearly 1,000 employees were laid off and over 2,400 veteran staffers were offered early retirement. The NPS is grappling with a $23 billion maintenance backlog that puts park facilities and conservation efforts in jeopardy. The proposed fee increases target international visitors who make up approximately 15% of the total park traffic. Following the executive order, a new senate bill, led by Indiana Senator Jim Banks, seeks to make these increased fees permanent to address ongoing budget constraints and push back against the severe cuts to NPS funding. Critics argue that while the fee hikes may generate revenue, underlying issues, including staffing shortages and infrastructure deterioration, remain unaddressed. The 2026 budget proposal from NPS requested $2.1 billion, significantly lower than previous appropriations. The focus on raising entrance fees, particularly for foreign tourists who might number around 660,000 in places like Yellowstone, has ignited concerns about reducing international visitation and its impact on park revenues. Higher fees could lead to a drop in foreign visitors, directly impacting park income and further complicating the NPS's financial challenges. As the legislation progresses through Congress, there is an ongoing debate regarding the balance between generating necessary funds for maintenance and ensuring that national parks remain accessible and welcoming to both domestic and international visitors. The bill aims to create a more stable financial environment for national parks and ultimately protect the country's natural heritage for future generations.