Trump raises fees for foreign visitors at national parks

In the United States, on July 3, 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at increasing entrance fees for foreign tourists visiting U.S. national parks. The order was part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to enhance revenue for the National Park System, which has been experiencing significant budget cuts. According to estimates released by the Interior Department, the surcharge for foreign visitors could generate over $90 million annually, contributing to infrastructure improvements and enhancing visitor experiences across the national parks. The executive action directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to develop a detailed strategy for the increase, but it did not specify how much the fees would rise or what timeline would be put in place for the changes. Some national parks do not charge entrance fees at all, and for those that do, fee amounts vary widely depending on the park. Moreover, the executive order emphasized the concept of 'America First' in tourism, showcasing a preference for U.S. residents in terms of recreational access and permitting rules, though specifics on the preferential treatment were not included. The fee hike for foreign tourists reflects a policy stance of prioritizing American citizens when it comes to park access. During a rally in Iowa, Trump stated that the national parks would be about America first and aimed at using the increased revenue to fund improvements that would benefit all visitors. The order came amid broader staffing cuts within the National Park Service, where approximately 1,000 employees had been laid off earlier that year as part of a larger initiative to shrink the federal workforce and cut budgets significantly across various sectors. Additionally, the same day, Trump established the 'Make America Beautiful Again' Commission to promote conservation efforts and expand access to public lands and waters. Notably, these changes have been controversial among environmental advocates and some lawmakers who argue that access to national parks should be equitable and not disproportionately burdensome for non-resident tourists, who contribute significantly to the economy through tourism.