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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John Q. Hosedrinker