In a bold move to boost park funding and prioritize American visitors, President Trump has signed an executive order to increase entry fees for foreign tourists, while conveniently forgetting about a certain Obama-era memo promoting inclusivity.

In a bid to raise over $90 million annually while keeping our beloved national parks affordable for Americans, Trump’s latest executive order raises entry fees for foreign visitors and prioritizes U.S. residents access. The order also takes a cue from a bygone era by revoking an Obama memo advocating for diversity at our parks, proving once again that inclusivity might be best enjoyed at a distance—preferably outside the park gates.

Under the new order, the Interior Secretary is tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to increase not just entry fees, but also recreation pass fees for non-U.S. residents. This initiative aims to ensure that while foreign visitors experience the majesty of our national parks, they do so at a premium. It’s like a VIP experience, but instead of champagne and caviar, you get a view of Old Faithful after forking over an extra hundred bucks. Who said luxury travel is dead?

Here's the kicker: while American visitors will enjoy relatively low fees, foreign tourists could see a substantial increase. The government wants to keep our parks accessible to ‘real’ Americans (presumably those who still remember how to camp without a smartphone). So, pack your bags, Europeans—better check your wallets before you attempt the Grand Canyon.

The Trump administration projects that this new fee structure could generate over $90 million annually. That’s quite the windfall for a national park system with crumbling infrastructure and a need for upgrades. Speaking of which, the Interior Department's budget for 2026 also indicates serious cuts, proposing more than $1 billion shaved from the National Park Service’s funding, marking the largest cut in history. It appears the only thing more abundant than the natural beauty of these parks is the budgetary sleight of hand to keep them operating.

In a rather ‘American first’ twist, the executive order provides what it quaintly refers to as 'preferential treatment' to U.S. residents in terms of access to recreational opportunities. This means while you’re out enjoying a serene hike through Yosemite, just realize that the international visitors eyeing that same breathtaking view might have just paid a small fortune for the privilege. It’s a bit like eating at an exclusive restaurant, where locals are not just regulars—they're on a first-name basis with the chef.

With Trump's executive order rolling back the Obama-era push for diversity and inclusion within the park system, one can’t help but wonder how this aligns with the vision of a welcoming outdoors. The apparent sentiment conveys that the national parks should prioritize U.S. residents regarding recreational access rules. After all, nature has never met a guest list it didn't like.

Amidst all these shifts, it’s worth noting that the National Park Service faces an uphill battle following the layoffs of about 1,000 employees—precisely the kind of resources you’d think were needed to maintain the grandeur of our national parks. However, Trump seems determined to build what he calls an 'America first' park experience, where nostalgia meets budget cuts. Who knew that a walk in the woods could become a financial hike?

In summary, with the national parks poised to become even more exclusive, perhaps it’s time for the international tourists to start considering some alternative fields for their travel adventures. After all, who could resist the allure of visiting, say, that small diner that serves inexplicable but delicious pastries right outside one of the great gateways to nature? Sometimes it's the little things that remind us that the great outdoors isn’t just a destination; it’s also a very selective club.