SCOOP: Trump’s ‘America-First Pricing’ Raises Millions for National Parks

FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Six months after President Donald Trump mandated that foreigners pay extra to enter popular national parks, the Department of the Interior has raised more than $20 million in new funding.

After Trump signed an executive order titled “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving our National Parks,” the Department of the Interior introduced a new nonresident pass for foreign tourists. In November 2025, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that U.S. residents will continue to face affordable prices, while nonresidents are asked to pay a higher rate to support the care and maintenance of the parks.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, the annual pass costs $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Nonresidents without an annual pass must pay a $ 100-per-person fee to enter 11 of the most-visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.

Since the policy was instituted, the Department of the Interior has raised a total of $22,531,075 from national park visitors claiming to be nonresidents in the United States.

In total, the National Park Service has raised 46% more funds from park fees in 2026 compared to this time last year, and 53.1% more than the last year of the Biden administration.

“President Trump has created a sustainable funding stream that has already generated significant revenue for the National Park System and will continue to support our parks for generations to come,” Burgum told the Daily Signal. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share.”

“This ‘America First’ pricing is providing our parks with the resources they need to fund critical improvements and enhance visitor experiences across the country,” he added.

So far in 2026, the Department of the Interior has raised $61,393,015 to support national parks and other beautification projects across the country.

Congress has the opportunity to codify the money-making parks entry policy by passing the Great American Outdoors Act 250, which would increase and standardize fees for foreign tourists.