President Donald Trump has unveiled a set of proposed changes to the management of U.S. national parks that would implement new visitor entry fees and significantly scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the National Park Service.
According to statements released by officials and conservative policy advisers close to Trump, the proposed entry fees are intended to generate additional revenue for park maintenance and operations. Supporters of the idea argue that charging for access to national parks—many of which are currently free or only charge nominal fees—would allow the National Park Service to better manage visitor traffic and address a backlog of infrastructure needs. Critics, however, worry that the move could limit access for lower-income families and reduce public use of protected lands.
In addition to fee adjustments, Trump is calling for the rollback or elimination of DEI-related programs throughout the Department of the Interior, including within the National Park Service. These programs, which were expanded under the Biden administration, aim to promote inclusive hiring practices, recognize the cultural significance of historically marginalized communities in park narratives, and improve accessibility for underserved populations.
Trump and his allies argue that DEI initiatives are divisive and distract from the core mission of preserving natural beauty and ensuring visitor safety. In campaign messaging, they have positioned the rollback as part of a broader effort to eliminate what they describe as “woke” policies from federal institutions. Supporters believe the National Park Service should prioritize conservation, not social programming.
However, environmental and civil rights organizations have pushed back against this narrative, saying DEI reforms are essential to ensuring that national parks serve all Americans equitably. They warn that dismantling such efforts could erase progress made in recognizing Native American lands, African American historical sites, and immigrant contributions to national landmarks. Some experts in public lands policy also stress that equitable access and inclusive storytelling are part of ensuring long-term public engagement and stewardship.
While Trump has not yet provided detailed implementation plans or cost assessments for the proposed entry fees, the changes would likely require congressional approval and could face legal challenges, particularly regarding staffing and programmatic changes tied to DEI.
The National Park Service, which manages over 400 sites including iconic locations such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Statue of Liberty, has seen record levels of visitation in recent years. As the debate continues, park advocates are watching closely to see how Trump’s proposals could reshape the mission and operations of the century-old agency.
The national parks policy proposals come amid a broader political battle over the role of the federal government in regulating public lands, cultural representation, and environmental access.