United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will raise entry fees for foreign tourists visiting the country’s national parks, while keeping rates lower for American citizens.

Speaking at a rally in Iowa on Thursday, Trump said the move is meant to “improve affordability” for Americans as the country marks the start of its 250th independence anniversary celebrations.

“For this anniversary, I've just signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists while keeping prices low for Americans,” he told an excited crowd. “The national parks will be about America First,” he added, shortly after signing the directive.

The order tasks the interior and state departments with encouraging more international visits to national parks. At the same time, it states that the additional revenue generated from higher foreign entry fees will be directed toward upgrading park infrastructure and boosting visitor experience across the country’s wide network of national parks.

The executive action stands out as an unusual environmental step for Trump, who has often been criticized for his views on climate change and environmental protection. The national park system, known for its natural beauty and vast protected areas, is a major attraction for both local and international tourists.

In addition to the fee changes, the president used the same order to cancel a previous directive issued in 2017 by former president Barack Obama.

The revoked policy had promoted diversity and inclusion within the national parks , a decision that continues Trump’s broader efforts to scale back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across government agencies.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While some see the move as a way to maintain parks for American citizens and improve their condition, others are raising concerns about staffing levels and accessibility.

Conservation groups have pointed out that hundreds of permanent National Park Service employees have been laid off since Trump took office, just months before the busy summer travel season.

As the administration moves forward with the new directive, questions remain on how the policy will affect international visitor numbers and the long-term impact on park operations.