Executive Order 14314—Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks
Issued 2025-07-03 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
Executive Order 14314, titled "Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks," directs federal agencies, primarily the Department of the Interior, to take several actions regarding national parks. It orders an increase in entry and recreation pass fees for foreign tourists and nonresidents, with the revenue generated from these fees to be used to improve park infrastructure and enhance enjoyment or access. The order also directs agencies to improve services and affordability for United States residents visiting national parks, and to grant American residents preferential treatment with respect to certain recreational access rules, where consistent with law. Additionally, it revokes a previous Presidential Memorandum from January 2017 titled "Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters."
This executive action affects foreign tourists and nonresidents by increasing their fees, while aiming to benefit United States residents through improved services, affordability, and preferential access. It also directs federal agencies to review maintenance backlogs, invest in infrastructure, and increase visitor capacity. The President's stated goal is for the National Park Service to manage national parks consistent with the policy of this order. Under the Constitution, the President has authority to direct how the executive branch enforces laws enacted by Congress. This order is considered a routine exercise of executive power as long as it operates within existing statutory authority and does not contradict congressional mandates, with its legal weight depending on the specific laws it invokes.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
Executive Order 14314 ("Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks") directs federal agencies on implementation of existing law. The President's stated goal: "that the National Park Service manages national parks consistent with the policy of this order." Under Article II's "Take Care" clause, the President has constitutional authority to direct how the executive branch enforces the laws Congress has enacted. Setting agency priorities, establishing implementation frameworks, and coordinating action across departments are core presidential functions.
As long as this order operates within existing statutory authority and does not contradict congressional mandates, it is a routine exercise of executive power. The order's legal weight depends on the specific statutes it invokes and how it directs agencies to interpret their mandates. Subordinate agencies must follow presidential direction, but only to the extent consistent with their underlying statutory authority.
Official Summary
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