National Park Service removes free entry on Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth
The US National Park Service (NPS) will no longer offer free entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, starting in 2026, as part of a broader policy shift under the Trump administration aimed at prioritizing American citizens over international visitors. This change follows a July executive order and coincides with the introduction of Flag Day, Trump's birthday, as a new fee-free date. U.S. residents will still pay $80 for an annual pass, while non-residents will face higher fees, reflecting a strategy expected to generate over $90 million annually from foreign visitors. This move aligns with previous actions taken by the Trump administration affecting the recognition of these holidays. The implications of these changes suggest a tightening of access for non-citizens and a potential shift in the cultural significance of these observances.
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The NPS's decision to remove free entry on MLK Day and Juneteenth is part of President Trump's broader strategy to modernize the park service and alter its fee structure.
Under the new rules, U.S. residents will continue to have free access on certain federal holidays, including President's Day and Independence Day, but non-citizens will incur fees even on fee-free days.
For 2026, the annual pass for U.S. residents remains at $80, while non-residents will pay $250 for an annual pass and $100 per person at select parks without a pass.
The Department of the Interior estimates that new surcharges for foreign visitors could yield over $90 million annually, reflecting a push for international visitors to contribute more financially to national parks.
This policy change follows Trump's earlier executive order in January, which banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal agencies, affecting the observance of holidays like MLK Day and Juneteenth.
Previous administrations had recognized MLK Day and Juneteenth as fee-free days, but the Trump administration's policies indicate a shift in the cultural narrative surrounding these commemorations.
The administration's approach to these holidays has faced criticism, particularly as it aligns with other controversial policies, including a military parade coinciding with Flag Day and Trump's birthday.