President Trump is raising the visitor fees to national parks for foreign tourists with an executive order Thursday, a move the White House says will make park visits more affordable for U.S. citizens.

U.S. citizens will “receive priority access in any permitting or reservation systems,” says a fact sheet of the order put out by the White House.

The revenue from the increased fees will raise hundreds of millions for conservation projects to improve America’s parks, according to the White House.

The order directs the Interior Department to increase fees, but doesn’t say how much or when.

“Increasing entry fees at national parks for foreign visitors will fuel investment in our national parks, reduce the maintenance backlog, construct critical infrastructure improvements, and support conservation projects that improve our majestic national parks,” the White House said.

It’s common for other countries to charge more for foreign visitors to their parks. Most entry fees to U.S. national parks are between $20 and $35, according to the National Park Service website, but some can be lower. Some parks charge per person and offer other arrangements like annual passes.

The increased fees will ensure “fairness,” the White House says, since American citizens already pay for national parks since tax dollars go towards the parks and public lands.

In another order, Mr. Trump established the Make America Beautiful Commission to “conserve America’s lands and waters, cut red tape, and drive conservation and economic growth.”

It will be chaired by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and will work to expand access for those who enjoy the outdoors.

These orders come after the 2026 White House budget proposed a roughly $1 billion cut from the National Park Service budget, a move that has angered conservation groups.

“Proposed cuts of this magnitude could shutter at least 350 national park sites across the country, effectively more than 75% of our Park System. This proposal is an all-out assault on America’s national parks,” Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, said in a statement.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.