WASHINGTON — Changes are being made to national parks for 2026 as the Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of holidays when Americans can enter national parks for free.
In return, they have added Flag Day, which also happens to be President Donald Trump’s birthday.
The dates, named “patriotic fee-free days,” were released in a press statement by the Department of the Interior, which also highlighted that these days will “only apply to U.S. citizens and residents.”
These changes raise questions as they show another attempt by the Trump administration to push anti-diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, erasing specific areas of American history that honor Black citizens.
Eliminating two holidays that commemorate the liberation of Black citizens, the Trump administration signals that civil rights are not a priority.
Something as small as requiring citizens to pay to enter national parks on days that were previously free sends a message.
Earlier this year, the National Park Service faced criticism from the public after removing content from its website about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, along with the Defense Department removing information about Jackie Robinson, who was the first African American to play Major League Baseball.
They also announced restructured “America-first entry fee policies” that are intended for U.S. residents to pay affordable pricing, while nonresidents pay a higher rate to “help support the care and maintenance of America’s parks.”
In the press release, Doug Burgum, secretary of the Interior, said, “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
