Donald Trump's Image Featured on New National Parks Passes Following Criticism of Public Lands

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that President Donald Trump will appear on the latest annual passes for the National Park Service, alongside George Washington. The update includes new artwork, digital passes, and a restructured fee system designed to prioritize American visitors.

New "America-First" Pricing

Starting January 1, 2026, the new annual pass system will implement an "America-first" pricing approach. Passes for U.S. residents will cost $80, while nonresidents will pay $250. Additionally, nonresidents without an annual pass will be required to pay $100 per person to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entry fee. Featured parks include Sequoia and Kings Canyon in California, and Yellowstone spanning Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

Commemorating the Nation's 250th Anniversary

To celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary, the "America the Beautiful" resident pass will display portraits of both George Washington and Donald Trump. The pass for military members will feature Trump saluting with his back turned, reflecting his controversial approach to traditional salute protocol.

Fee-Free Holidays for U.S. Residents

The Interior Department announced eight fee-free holidays in 2026, which will be open exclusively to U.S. residents:

• Flag Day/Donald Trumps birthday June 14
• Independence Day weekend July 35
• National Park Service 110th Anniversary August 25
• Theodore Roosevelts birthday October 27

Background and Controversy

Trump has a contentious history with national parks. Earlier in his second term, his administration dismissed around 1,000 National Park Service employees as part of a government efficiency initiative. Later, executive orders increased U.S. timber production, opening over 50% of previously protected forests to potential logging. Environmental protections on 113 million acres of national forest land were reduced or removed, creating opportunities for logging, drilling, and mining. Senate Republicans were asked to remove provisions from Trumps "Big Beautiful Bill" that would have sold millions of acres of public land.

The Center for American Progress estimates that approximately 88 million acres have faced reduced environmental protections under these policies. Conservation advocates, including Tucker Johnson from the National Parks Conservation Association, have described these measures as "the greatest threat that our national parks have seen," stating they collectively undermine the conservation legacy established by figures like Theodore Roosevelt.

Official Statement

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated, 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 to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.

Author: Sophia Brooks