Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump declared, “The national parks will be about America First,” emphasizing that while fees for foreign tourists would rise, prices for Americans would remain low. The order also directs the interior and state departments to promote international tourism to the parks.
Revenue generated from higher fees is planned to fund infrastructure improvements and enhance visitor experiences across the national park system. The move marks a rare instance of environmental promotion by the climate sceptic president.
However, Trump’s order rescinded a 2017 directive from former President Barack Obama that encouraged diversity and inclusion initiatives within national parks, reflecting Trump’s ongoing opposition to such programs.
Meanwhile, conservation groups have expressed concern over layoffs of hundreds of National Park Service staff since Trump took office in January, just before the peak summer tourist season.
