The National Park Service (NPS) is facing backlash regarding the design of the 2026 America the Beautiful pass. This year’s pass, featuring portraits of Presidents George Washington and Donald Trump, has drawn criticism from park visitors and sparked a defacement movement. The controversy centers around the unique representation of Trump, diverging from the pass’s traditional nature-themed images.
Controversy Over 2026 Pass Design
For years, the America the Beautiful pass showcased images of scenic landscapes or wildlife, selected from a public photo contest. Iconic winners have included breathtaking views of Arches National Park and bison on the plains. This year’s design, however, incorporates Trump’s likeness, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Sticker Protests and Community Response
Images have surfaced of passholders creatively covering Trump’s image with stickers of wildlife and landscapes. Some individuals have even opted to obscure the entire portrait. This response has inspired a sticker campaign led by graphic designer Jenny McCarty. She has created custom stickers meant to overlay Trump’s face, donating all proceeds to conservation organizations.
McCarty expressed that the initiative focuses on preserving the integrity of national parks rather than political affiliations. “The power of community is incredible,” she remarked, noting the first donation went to a conservation nonprofit in December, amounting to $16,000.
Policy Update from the National Park Service
In an effort to address the growing conflict, the National Park Service updated its policy stating that passes may be considered invalid if defaced or altered. This change, revealed through an internal email, follows the rise of the sticker movement on social media.
Clarification of Existing Rules
The NPS emphasized that the update does not introduce a new policy but clarifies existing rules regarding pass alterations. While previously it was mentioned that signatures could render passes void, the new guidance extends this to stickers and markings. Park service officials now have discretion in determining whether a pass has been defaced.
Legal Challenges and Reactions
A lawsuit has been filed by the Center for Biological Diversity against the NPS over the new pass design. The conservation group argues that the current design violates a federal requirement mandating that the annual pass display a winning photograph from the national parks photo contest. They are seeking to have the current design replaced with the image from the 2026 contest winner, Glacier National Park.
Support and Opposition
There are mixed opinions on the new design. Vince Vanata, GOP chairman of Park County, Wyoming, argues that the depiction of Trump alongside Washington is a fitting tribute given the upcoming anniversary of the United States. In contrast, many visitors like Erin Quinn Gery have expressed disappointment, suggesting that Trump’s presence diminishes the beauty of the pass.
Gery articulated her disdain for the change, comparing the image to “a mug shot slapped onto natural beauty.” She believes that recognition should reflect community sentiment rather than self-proclamation.
The NPS continues to navigate the challenging landscape surrounding the controversial pass design as public interest and legal pressures intensify.
