The Department of the Interior has unveiled the 2026 America the Beautiful annual pass, and for the first time in the 108-year history of the National Park Service, the pass prominently features the image of a sitting U.S. president — Donald J. Trump — alongside George Washington.
The design decision marks a major departure from past practice. Historically, annual passes highlight iconic American landscapes, wildlife, or historical themes, but they have never included portraits of current officeholders. The 2026 pass places President Trump next to the nation’s first president, symbolically pairing the country’s founding leadership with its current administration.
The White House says the new pass “celebrates America’s heritage,” while critics note that the choice aligns with the President’s well-documented preference for featuring himself prominently on government-issued visuals.
Internationally, it’s not unheard of for a national leader to place their portrait on public items. In several countries ruled by strong centralized leadership — including monarchies and long-standing presidencies — the head of state’s image routinely appears on everything from currency and postage stamps to airport billboards and government IDs. Images of sultans, kings, and presidents can be ubiquitous in places where political culture prioritizes leader-focused symbolism.
By contrast, the U.S. traditionally avoids featuring sitting leaders on official materials to prevent even the appearance of government self-promotion. The 2026 pass marks a significant break from that norm.
New Graphics and “America-First” Fee Policies
Alongside the new portrait, the Department of the Interior announced redesigned, modernized graphics for all annual pass products, with bold red-white-and-blue visuals “honoring America’s landscapes, heritage and outdoor legacy.” These graphic updates will appear on all physical and digital passes beginning January 1, 2026.
The Administration also announced major fee policy shifts framed around “America-first access.”
U.S. residents will continue to receive the lowest pricing, while nonresidents will pay significantly more under the new schedule:
Annual Pass: • $80 for U.S. residents • $250 for nonresidents Nonresident Entry Surcharge: • $100 per person at 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee • Applies only to visitors without an annual pass
Officials say these policies ensure “American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit.”
Resident-Only Fee-Free Days
The Department also announced a series of resident-only free-entry days for 2026, tied to patriotic and presidential observances:
President’s Day — Feb. 16 Memorial Day — May 25 Flag Day / President Trump’s Birthday — June 14 Independence Day Weekend — July 3–5 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service — Aug. 25 Constitution Day — Sept. 17 Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday — Oct. 27 Veterans Day — Nov. 11
Expanded Access for Motorcyclists
For the first time, all America the Beautiful passes will now cover two motorcycles per pass, a change aimed at making park travel more accessible for couples and families who tour on two wheels.
Where the Money Goes
According to the National Park Service, additional revenue generated from the updated pricing system will be invested directly into:
Visitor facility upgrades Backlogged maintenance Trail and road improvements Expanded visitor services
More Information
Details on the 2026 changes, digital pass options, and purchasing information are available at:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm and Recreation.gov.
Texas Reporter 