The National Park Service has released a revised fee-free calendar for national parks, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth while adding President Trump’s birthday to the list. This change is part of an ongoing effort by the administration regarding the country’s history on federal lands. Additionally, under the “America-first pricing” policy, non-U.S. residents will still be required to pay entrance fees on these days, with increased fees at popular parks. These adjustments align with a White House executive order prioritizing American visitors and seeking to provide them “preferential treatment” and are touted by the Department of the Interior as a way to make the parks more affordable and efficient for Americans.
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In a controversial move, the Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the 2026 fee-free days calendar at National Parks, replacing them with days honoring past presidents and Flag Day, which coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday. These holidays, which were added to the fee-free calendar in recent years, were removed in conjunction with the administration’s pause on public days of remembrance and ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The shift has drawn criticism, with advocates expressing concerns about access for Black communities and the symbolic implications of the changes. The decision reflects a broader focus on America’s 250th anniversary, as indicated by the inclusion of several other commemorative days.
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The Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of fee-free days at National Parks for 2026. Instead, the Department of the Interior will celebrate additional former presidents’ birthdays and Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump’s birthday. This decision follows a broader focus on “America-first” policies and will impact which American holidays are celebrated in the park system. Critics express concern that the shift in fee-free days sends a troubling message about who the parks are for and a reduction in information about the nation’s struggle toward liberty and justice for all. The new fee-free days also include changes in park entry costs for non-U.S. residents.
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In stark contrast to Donald Trump’s complaint about excessive holidays costing billions, President Biden commemorated Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas, highlighting its significance as a day of liberation and remembrance. Biden’s speech directly addressed those who oppose Juneteenth’s federal holiday status, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the historical stain of slavery. He further criticized efforts to reinstate Confederate names on military bases, actions directly attributed to the Trump administration. This contrasting approach underscores a broader political divide over historical recognition and national identity.
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On Juneteenth, President Trump criticized the increasing number of federal holidays, claiming they cost billions of dollars and are unwanted by workers. He threatened to eliminate the Juneteenth holiday, despite previously scheduling a campaign rally around it and later claiming credit for popularizing it. This follows a similar stance against Indigenous Peoples’ Day, with Trump advocating for a return to Columbus Day. Defense Secretary Hegseth also downplayed the significance of Juneteenth, instructing the Pentagon to adopt a muted approach to its commemoration.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office instructed the Pentagon to adopt a passive approach to Juneteenth messaging, resulting in the cancellation of planned online content. This directive is part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense, a policy reflected in the removal of historical content celebrating Black, Latino, and women veterans. This action follows previous removals of articles celebrating figures like Jackie Robinson and the Tuskegee Airmen. The Army’s Juneteenth commemoration article was also deleted, although a press release acknowledging the holiday remains.
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Trump’s recent comments about Juneteenth and the number of non-working holidays in the US have sparked considerable debate. His assertion that the US has “too many non-working holidays” seems particularly tone-deaf, given the historical significance of Juneteenth and the context of his statement.
The timing of his remarks, coinciding with the commemoration of Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, raises questions about his intentions. It appears to many as an attempt to diminish the importance of this significant historical event and potentially undermine efforts to recognize and celebrate it.
Many find his statement hypocritical, considering his own frequent use of taxpayer-funded leisure time, often spent golfing.… Continue reading
“Ungrateful people”: GOP candidate marks Juneteenth by telling Black people to leave U.S.
The recent comments made by GOP candidate, Ms. Gomez, regarding Juneteenth and Black people in America are not only shocking but also deeply concerning. To suggest that Black people, who have endured centuries of slavery, discrimination, and systemic racism, should leave the country if they do not like it is not only absurd but also incredibly ignorant. The insensitivity and lack of understanding displayed in her statement are emblematic of a larger issue within the Republican Party and American society as a whole.
The irony of Ms. Gomez, a Colombian immigrant herself, telling Black people to leave the U.S.… Continue reading
As I sit down to write about the recent controversy surrounding the Spectrum call center in Charlotte reportedly providing fried chicken and watermelon to employees for Juneteenth, I can’t help but reflect on the nuances of this situation. The mention of fried chicken and watermelon immediately conjures up a plethora of thoughts and emotions, intertwined with historical context and personal experiences.
Fried chicken and watermelon, considered by some as quintessential components of soul food, have unfortunately been entangled with stereotypes and derogatory connotations over the years. Yet, at their core, these foods carry a deep cultural significance that stems from the resilience and celebration of African American heritage.… Continue reading
As I sit here and digest the recent news of a Republican candidate telling Black Americans to leave the US in a Juneteenth message, I can’t help but feel a wave of anger and frustration. These words, spewed by Valentina Gomez, a Colombian immigrant running for Missouri Secretary of State as a Republican candidate, are not just offensive; they are a reflection of the deep-seated racism and ignorance that still plagues our society.
It’s astonishing to me that someone who has only lived in the US since 2009 has the audacity to tell Black Americans, whose ancestors have been in this country for generations, to “get the fuck out.”… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood