The Trump national parks pass lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s decision to put President Donald Trump’s image on the 2026 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
The lawsuit was filed by the Center for Biological Diversity against the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal defendants.
At the center of the case is a simple question: Could the Trump administration replace the photograph selected through the government’s annual national parks photo contest with an image of President Trump?
The plaintiffs argue that the government violated federal law when it replaced the winning photograph with a design featuring Trump and George Washington.
The lawsuit also challenges the administration’s creation of separate annual pass categories for U.S. residents and nonresidents.
As of August 2026, the case remains pending. The federal government has filed a motion to dismiss, but the court has not issued a final ruling on the lawsuit.
Trump National Parks Pass Lawsuit: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Case | Center for Biological Diversity v. Burgum |
| Main issue | 2026 America the Beautiful Pass design |
| Plaintiff | Center for Biological Diversity |
| Defendants | U.S. Department of the Interior, Agriculture and federal officials |
| Court | U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia |
| Case number | 1:25-cv-04285 |
| Lawsuit filed | December 10, 2025 |
| Pass involved | 2026 America the Beautiful Pass |
| Trump image | Yes |
| George Washington image | Yes |
| Original winning photo | Glacier National Park |
| Main legal statute | Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act |
| Additional law | Administrative Procedure Act |
| Current status | Pending |
| Class action | No |
What Is the Trump National Parks Pass Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit concerns the design of the 2026 America the Beautiful Pass.
The annual pass normally features a photograph connected to America’s public lands.
For the 2026 pass, a photograph of Glacier National Park had been selected through the annual public photography competition.
Instead of using that photograph on the standard annual pass, the Trump administration announced a new design featuring portraits of Donald Trump and George Washington.
The Center for Biological Diversity argued that this violated federal law because Congress had established a process for selecting the image used on the annual pass.
The organization filed its lawsuit on December 10, 2025.
What Is the America the Beautiful Pass?
The America the Beautiful Pass is the federal government’s annual recreational lands pass.
It provides access to thousands of federal recreation sites, including national parks and other federally managed areas where entrance or standard amenity fees apply.
The standard annual pass has historically cost $80.
The pass is widely used by people who visit multiple national parks or federal recreation areas during the year.
The dispute is therefore not about a small or obscure government document.
The pass is one of the most recognizable access products associated with America’s public lands.
Why Does the 2026 Pass Have Trump’s Face?
The Department of the Interior announced a redesigned 2026 annual pass featuring Donald Trump alongside George Washington.
The design was connected to the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.
The administration presented the redesigned pass as part of its broader changes to the national parks system.
The Center for Biological Diversity objected to the decision, arguing that the government had replaced the winning photograph from the public competition with a presidential portrait.
The organization claims that the change turned the national parks pass into a political branding tool rather than following the process required by federal law.
What Was the Original 2026 Winning Photo?
The winning photograph came from Glacier National Park in Montana.
The photograph had been selected through the annual public competition.
According to the lawsuit, the government later chose not to use that photograph on the standard 2026 annual pass.
Instead, the Glacier photograph was moved to a different pass associated with nonresident access.
The plaintiffs argue that this decision undermined the statutory requirement for public participation in selecting the annual pass image.
What Law Does the Lawsuit Rely On?
The lawsuit primarily relies on the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, commonly known as FLREA.
The plaintiffs point to a provision requiring the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to hold an annual public photography contest to select the image used on the annual pass.
The lawsuit argues that replacing the contest-winning photograph with Trump’s image effectively bypassed that requirement.
The complaint also brings claims under the Administrative Procedure Act, or APA.
The APA provides a legal framework for challenging certain federal agency actions.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine that the challenged decisions were unlawful and to prevent the government from continuing to use the allegedly unlawful pass design.
What Does the Center for Biological Diversity Want?
The organization is asking the court for legal relief against the government’s 2026 pass decisions.
Among other things, the lawsuit seeks to have the challenged decisions regarding the 2026 passes vacated and to prevent the government from using a pass displaying Trump’s image if the design does not comply with federal law.
The organization argues that the federal government should follow the statutory public-participation process.
It is important to note that these are the plaintiff’s requested remedies, not remedies that a court has already awarded.
Is Trump’s Face Actually on the National Parks Pass?
Yes.
The 2026 America the Beautiful annual pass features portraits of Donald Trump and George Washington.
This replaced the type of scenic nature photograph that has traditionally appeared on the pass.
The change generated criticism and became the subject of the federal lawsuit.
The National Park Service also faced controversy after visitors began placing stickers over Trump’s image.
The agency subsequently warned that altering or obscuring security features could cause a pass to be rejected.
Can You Put a Sticker Over Trump’s Face?
This became a separate controversy surrounding the pass.
Some visitors used stickers to cover Trump’s photograph.
The National Park Service said that visitors should not deface the pass.
If a sticker or other material interferes with security features or makes the pass difficult to verify, park officials can require a visitor to remove it or potentially purchase another form of admission.
Therefore, the lawsuit over the design and the sticker issue are related public controversies, but they are not the same legal case.
Does the Lawsuit Say Trump Personally Broke the Law?
The lawsuit challenges actions by federal agencies and officials.
It does not simply allege that President Trump personally violated a criminal law.
The plaintiffs argue that the federal government acted contrary to statutory requirements when it changed the pass design and other pass policies.
This distinction is important.
The lawsuit is primarily an administrative-law challenge to federal agency action.
What Is the Separate Nonresident National Parks Pass Issue?
The lawsuit also challenges the government’s creation of separate annual pass categories for residents and nonresidents.
The Trump administration introduced a significantly higher annual pass price for people who are not U.S. residents.
The nonresident annual pass is priced at $250, compared with the standard resident annual pass price of $80.
The lawsuit argues that the Interior Department exceeded its statutory authority by creating additional pass categories that Congress did not authorize.
This is a separate legal argument from the dispute over Trump’s photograph.
Both issues are included in the same lawsuit.
Why Did the Trump Administration Introduce a Nonresident Pass?
The administration changed the national park fee structure in 2026.
Under the new system, non-U.S. residents can face additional charges at certain national parks, while the annual pass for nonresidents costs substantially more than the resident pass.
The administration has argued that these changes can help improve access and provide additional funding for national parks.
Critics argue that the policy could discourage international tourism and create additional administrative burdens for the National Park Service.
The legal challenge focuses on whether the administration had the authority to establish the new pass structure under existing federal law.
Is the Nonresident Fee Part of the Same Lawsuit?
Yes.
The Center for Biological Diversity’s lawsuit challenges both the Trump image on the annual pass and aspects of the new resident/nonresident pass structure.
This is important for readers searching for:
- Trump national parks pass lawsuit
- Trump park pass lawsuit
- national park pass Trump lawsuit
- America the Beautiful Pass lawsuit
- Trump national park pass legal challenge
These searches can refer to the same underlying federal case.
Who Is Being Sued?
The lawsuit was filed against federal officials and agencies involved in administering the national parks pass program.
The defendants include the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture, along with officials in their official capacities.
The case is commonly identified as:
Center for Biological Diversity v. Burgum
It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The case number is 1:25-cv-04285.
Has the Trump National Parks Pass Lawsuit Been Decided?
No.
The case is still pending.
This is one of the most important points for anyone searching for the latest lawsuit update.
The federal government filed a motion to dismiss on May 22, 2026.
As of the latest information reviewed, Judge Carl J. Nichols had not issued a final ruling on that motion.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to say that Trump has already won or lost the national parks pass lawsuit.
Why Did the Government Ask the Judge to Dismiss the Case?
The government’s motion to dismiss raises issues including standing.
In federal court, a plaintiff generally must show that it has suffered or faces a legally recognized injury that gives it standing to bring the case.
The government argues that the Center for Biological Diversity has not demonstrated the type of concrete injury necessary to maintain the lawsuit.
The court will have to decide whether the case can proceed.
Until the judge rules on the motion, the lawsuit remains active.
What Happens If the Judge Dismisses the Lawsuit?
If the court grants the government’s motion to dismiss, the plaintiffs could potentially seek further appellate review.
If the court denies the motion, the case could move into later stages of litigation.
That could include further briefing, evidence gathering and potentially a ruling on the underlying legality of the administration’s pass decisions.
The exact path would depend on the court’s orders.
Could Trump Still Appear on Future National Parks Passes?
That depends on the outcome of this case and future government decisions.
The current lawsuit specifically challenges the 2026 pass design and related decisions.
If the court ultimately finds that the government violated federal law, it could order the agency to reconsider or change the challenged decisions.
If the government prevails, the current design could remain in use for the relevant period.
A court decision could also have implications for how future annual pass designs are selected.
Is This a Class Action Lawsuit?
No.
The Trump national parks pass lawsuit is not a consumer class action.
It was filed by an environmental organization challenging federal government action.
There is no class-action settlement fund for national park visitors.
Can People Sign Up for the Trump National Parks Pass Lawsuit?
No general public sign-up is available.
This is not a lawsuit where every person who purchased a national parks pass can submit a claim for money.
The case is a legal challenge to federal agency decisions.
People should be cautious about websites claiming that national park visitors can “join” the lawsuit and receive a payout.
There is no such general compensation program associated with this case.
Is There a Trump National Parks Pass Lawsuit Settlement?
No settlement has been reported.
The case remains pending.
There is therefore no confirmed settlement amount, settlement website or claim deadline for the general public.
Is There a National Parks Pass Lawsuit Payout?
No.
This lawsuit does not currently provide a payout to national park visitors.
The plaintiffs are seeking court orders concerning the legality of the government’s actions.
They are not pursuing a standard consumer compensation program.
Is This a Lawsuit Against Trump Personally?
Not in the ordinary sense of a personal civil lawsuit seeking damages from Trump.
The case challenges actions taken by federal agencies and officials concerning the national parks pass.
Trump’s image is central to the dispute because his portrait appears on the 2026 pass.
But the legal claims focus on whether federal agencies complied with federal law when making the pass changes.
Why Is the Lawsuit Important?
The case raises a broader question about the limits of executive-branch authority.
Congress established rules governing the federal recreation pass program.
The plaintiffs argue that the executive branch cannot simply replace a congressionally required public process with a presidential preference.
The government, on the other hand, has challenged the plaintiffs’ ability to bring the case and is seeking dismissal.
The eventual ruling could therefore provide guidance on how much discretion federal agencies have when changing established public-land programs.
Trump National Parks Pass Lawsuit Timeline
| Date | Development |
| June 2025 | Glacier National Park photograph selected through the annual competition |
| November 2025 | Interior Department announces redesigned 2026 annual pass |
| December 10, 2025 | Center for Biological Diversity files lawsuit |
| January 2026 | 2026 pass enters circulation |
| January 2026 | Controversy grows over stickers covering Trump’s image |
| April 2026 | Members of Congress seek to participate in the case as amici |
| May 22, 2026 | Government files motion to dismiss |
| June 2026 | Motion to dismiss remains pending |
| August 2026 | Lawsuit remains ongoing |
Trump National Parks Pass Lawsuit vs. Other National Park Lawsuits
It is important not to combine every lawsuit involving Trump’s national parks policies.
The Trump national parks pass lawsuit specifically concerns the 2026 America the Beautiful Pass and related pass changes.
Other lawsuits may involve:
- National park staffing
- Park construction
- Federal land management
- Environmental regulations
- Entrance fees
- National Park Service policies
Those cases may have different plaintiffs, defendants and legal claims.
For SEO purposes, the Trump national parks pass case should therefore have its own dedicated article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Trump national parks pass lawsuit?
It is a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s 2026 America the Beautiful Pass design and related changes to the national parks pass program.
Why is Trump’s face on the national parks pass?
The Trump administration replaced the previously selected Glacier National Park photograph with a design featuring Donald Trump and George Washington.
Who filed the lawsuit?
The Center for Biological Diversity filed the lawsuit against federal agencies and officials.
When was the lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit was filed on December 10, 2025.
What law does the lawsuit involve?
The case relies primarily on the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and also invokes the Administrative Procedure Act.
What was supposed to appear on the pass?
A photograph selected through the annual public photography contest was supposed to be used according to the plaintiffs’ interpretation of federal law.
What was the winning photograph?
The 2026 winning photograph depicted Glacier National Park.
Is Trump’s face legally allowed on the pass?
That is one of the questions the lawsuit asks the federal court to decide. There has not yet been a final ruling on the merits.
Has the judge ruled on the lawsuit?
No final ruling has been issued. The government’s motion to dismiss remains pending as of the latest information reviewed.
Is the lawsuit a class action?
No.
Can I join the lawsuit?
There is no general public class-action sign-up process.
Is there a national parks pass lawsuit settlement?
No settlement has been reported.
Is there a lawsuit payout?
No general payout is available to national park visitors.
Is the $250 nonresident pass part of the lawsuit?
Yes. The lawsuit also challenges the government’s creation of separate resident and nonresident annual pass categories.
Can I cover Trump’s picture with a sticker?
The National Park Service has warned that altering or obscuring the pass can create problems with verification and may result in the pass being rejected.
Does the lawsuit mean the 2026 pass is currently invalid?
No. The lawsuit does not automatically invalidate the pass. The case remains pending.
Bottom Line
The Trump national parks pass lawsuit is a federal legal challenge to the Trump administration’s decision to place President Donald Trump’s image on the 2026 America the Beautiful Pass.
The Center for Biological Diversity argues that the administration violated the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act by replacing the photograph selected through the annual public photography contest with a presidential image.
The lawsuit also challenges the government’s creation of separate resident and nonresident annual pass categories.
The case was filed in December 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
As of August 2026, the lawsuit has not been finally decided.
The federal government filed a motion to dismiss in May 2026, arguing in part that the plaintiff lacks the required standing. The court has not yet issued a final decision on that motion.
That means headlines saying “Trump won the national parks pass lawsuit” or “Trump lost the national parks pass lawsuit” would currently be premature.
The case is also not a class action, and there is no public settlement, claim form or payout for people who purchased an America the Beautiful Pass.
The central legal question remains whether the federal government followed the requirements established by Congress when it redesigned the 2026 national parks pass and changed the pass structure.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Lawsuits contain allegations and legal arguments that may not represent facts established by a court. The status of the Trump national parks pass lawsuit can change as the court issues new orders or the parties file additional documents. Readers seeking advice about a specific legal matter should consult a qualified U.S. attorney or review the official court record.