Environmental Group Sues to Block Trump Image on U.S. National Park Passes

An environmental organization has filed a lawsuit to stop the U.S. Interior Department from placing an image of former President Donald Trump on next year’s “America the Beautiful” annual national park pass. The Center for Biological Diversity argues that the decision violates federal law, which requires the $80 pass to feature the winning image from an annual photo contest showcasing natural scenery or wildlife from U.S. national parks, forests, or recreational areas.

According to the complaint, the 2024 contest winner was a scenic photograph of Glacier National Park in Montana. However, instead of using the photo, the Interior Department replaced it with a close-up portrait of Trump—depicted in a blue coat, red tie, and stern expression—positioned beside an illustration of George Washington. The lawsuit states this redesign was implemented without congressional approval, violating the Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Act.

Kieran Suckling, the Center’s executive director, criticized the move as an attempt at personal branding, comparing it to Trump’s practice of putting his name on commercial properties. He emphasized that national parks belong to the American people and should not serve political or promotional purposes.

The Interior Department, which oversees the National Park Service, has not responded to requests for comment. Last month, the agency previewed the Trump-themed artwork while promoting what it called the most significant modernization of park access in decades, including new digital passes and revised admission policies.

The lawsuit also notes that the original Glacier National Park photo has been relegated to a new $250 annual pass intended for foreign visitors as part of an “America-first” pricing structure. Additionally, the agency updated its free-admission holiday calendar, adding Trump’s June 14 birthday while removing longstanding observances such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. These changes follow Trump’s earlier directive to increase fees for non-U.S. visitors and reduce national park spending.