The Interior Department's new "America the Beautiful" pass for U.S. national parks has sparked controversy due to its unusual design featuring Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump side by side. This departure from the traditional picturesque landscapes or wildlife images chosen through a public photo contest has led to backlash and even a lawsuit from a conservation group.
The $80 annual pass grants visitors access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. Since its inception, the pass has typically showcased stunning landscapes or iconic wildlife, symbolizing the beauty and diversity of the national parks system. However, the decision to include a political figure like Trump on the 2026 pass has not been well-received by parkgoers, prompting various forms of protest.
One notable form of protest is through custom stickers designed to cover Trump's face on the pass. Jenny McCarty, a park volunteer and graphic designer, initiated a sticker campaign where individuals could place these stickers over Trump's image, with proceeds going to conservation nonprofits. The movement has gained significant momentum, with many national park visitors participating in this act of civil disobedience.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit challenging the new pass design, arguing that it violates the requirement for the pass to feature a winning photograph from a national parks photo contest. The lawsuit seeks to replace the current design with the original contest winner, a picture of Glacier National Park.
Despite the backlash, some individuals, like GOP chairman Vince Vanata, view the design as a fitting tribute to America's 250th anniversary. However, critics like annual pass holder Erin Quinn Gery see it as a form of self-glorification and a departure from the pass's historical representation of natural beauty.
Artist Jenny McCarty's innovative response to the controversial pass design has garnered significant attention. By creating and selling protest stickers, McCarty has turned an artistic act into a form of advocacy, with funds from sticker sales being donated to nonprofits supporting the National Park Service. Despite potential pushback from governmental agencies, McCarty remains committed to her cause, finding creative ways for pass holders to display the stickers without violating pass regulations.
As the debate over the pass design continues, with legal challenges, protests, and policy updates, the underlying issue of political influence in national parks remains at the forefront. McCarty's initiative serves as a reminder of the public's deep connection to preserving the neutrality and natural beauty of these shared spaces.
In light of the ongoing developments surrounding the "America the Beautiful" pass, it is evident that the intersection of politics and public lands continues to evoke passionate responses from individuals dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of national parks. McCarty's grassroots protest not only highlights the power of community-driven initiatives but also underscores the enduring importance of maintaining the essence of these cherished natural landscapes for future generations.
