Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Makes Our National Parks Great Again

7/3/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Fee Increase for Foreign Visitors: Directs the Secretary of the Interior to raise entrance fees for non-U.S. tourists at national parks.
Priority Access for U.S. Residents: Mandates that American families receive priority in permitting and reservation systems to ensure affordable and enhanced park access.
Revenue for Conservation: Uses increased fee revenue to fund conservation projects, infrastructure improvements, and to reduce the maintenance backlog in national parks.
Restoring Fairness: Addresses inequities by ensuring American taxpayers help fund enhancements and conservation while foreign visitors contribute more at entry.
Historical and Policy Legacy: Builds on a conservation legacy starting with President Teddy Roosevelt and reinforces President Trump’s previous achievements, including the Great American Outdoors Act.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order increases fees for foreign tourists visiting national parks, which could potentially reduce the number of international visitors. This may impact local economies that rely on tourism revenue.
While the Order aims to prioritize American families, it could be perceived as discriminatory against foreign visitors, potentially affecting international relations and tourism partnerships.
The focus on increasing revenue for conservation projects is positive, but the reliance on foreign visitor fees may not be sustainable if international tourism declines.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how changes in national park policies could affect its environmental research programs and partnerships with conservation organizations.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science and Policy Program may see increased opportunities for research and collaboration on conservation projects funded by the increased revenue from foreign visitor fees.
The Office of International Affairs might need to address any concerns from international students and partners regarding the perceived impact of the Order on foreign visitors.
Vanderbilt’s Tourism and Hospitality Management Program could explore the implications of the Order on tourism trends and develop strategies to adapt to potential changes in international visitor patterns.

Financial Impact

The increased fees for foreign visitors could lead to additional funding for conservation projects, potentially opening up new grant opportunities for Vanderbilt’s environmental research initiatives.
Local economies that benefit from international tourism may experience financial strain if the number of foreign visitors decreases, which could indirectly affect Vanderbilt’s community engagement and economic partnerships.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the potential impact on its international student recruitment and retention strategies if the Order affects perceptions of the U.S. as a welcoming destination.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance or ethics, particularly in terms of international relations and tourism impacts.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Conservation Programs should explore partnerships with the National Park Service to engage in research and conservation projects funded by the increased fees from foreign tourists. This could provide opportunities for students and faculty to contribute to national conservation efforts and gain practical experience.
The Office of International Affairs should assess the potential impact of increased fees on foreign students and visitors who may wish to visit national parks. Providing information and resources to help them navigate these changes could enhance their experience and maintain Vanderbilt’s reputation as a welcoming institution.
Vanderbilt’s Economic and Public Policy Departments should conduct research on the economic impacts of the Executive Order, particularly how increased fees for foreign tourists might affect tourism and local economies. This research could inform policy discussions and contribute to a broader understanding of the order’s implications.
The Department of Political Science should analyze the political and social implications of prioritizing American access to national parks. This analysis could provide insights into broader trends in national policy and contribute to academic discourse on conservation and public land management.

Opportunities

The Executive Order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Programs to expand their research and involvement in conservation projects. By leveraging the increased funding for national parks, Vanderbilt can enhance its contributions to environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on conservation by developing new educational programs and partnerships with national parks. This could include field studies, internships, and collaborative research initiatives, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the environmental sector.
The emphasis on improving national parks offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Environmental Management Studies to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how these funds are allocated and used to support conservation and public access.
By engaging with the broader conservation community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on conservation policy. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of the Executive Order can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative environmental thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures, particularly in environmental and international affairs.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – The directive does not specify any deadlines or timeframes for when the fee increases or priority access measures must be implemented.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of the Interior (Secretary of the Interior): Charged with implementing the fee adjustments for foreign visitors and overseeing national park improvements.
National Park Service (NPS): Responsible for ensuring U.S. residents receive priority access to permits and reservations, as well as managing conservation projects funded by the increased fees.

Relevance Score: 1 (A small number of Federal Agencies are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Interior – Tasked with increasing fees for foreign visitors at national parks.
National Park Service – Directed to ensure that U.S. residents receive priority access in permitting and reservation systems.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directs a Cabinet official and an agency in a way that influences national policy on public lands.)