New National Park Pass Artwork Sparks Public Debate Ahead of 2026 Release

The Department of the Interior has announced a new set of America the Beautiful national park passes debuting January 1, 2026. The update includes fresh artwork, commemorative themes for the nation’s 250th anniversary, and a wave of public reaction that began the moment the designs were revealed.

The biggest source of controversy is the annual resident pass, which features portraits of George Washington and former President Donald Trump. Critics questioned the choice, arguing that presidents like Ulysses Grant or Theodore Roosevelt, who played major roles in creating and expanding the National Park System, would have been more appropriate symbolic figures.

California naturalist Justin Legge told SFGATE that placing Trump on the pass feels disingenuous to the conservation community, given his record on federal land protections.

For non-residents, the pass will feature a scenic Glacier National Park landscape rather than presidential portraits. These landscape designs were confirmed by Interior officials in updated images released with the announcement video. Other redesigned passes include a volunteer pass with Theodore Roosevelt, a military pass showing Trump saluting soldiers, and a senior pass featuring Independence Hall.

New pricing has also been a controversial addition to the pass. American citizens will still pay $80 for an annual pass, while international visitors will have access to a new $250 annual option. Experts are divided on whether the fee will reduce international visitation or simply boost park revenue.

“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.  

The Department also highlighted resident-only patriotic fee-free days for 2026: 

• President’s Day (February 16, 2026)
• Memorial Day (May 25, 2026)
• Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday (June 14, 2026)
• Independence Day weekend (July 3–5, 2026)
• 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25, 2026)
• Constitution Day (Sept. 17, 2026)
• Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27, 2026)
• Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026) 

The updated passes are part of a broader effort to highlight and support America’s public lands as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.