National Parks Drop MLK Day, Juneteenth from Fee-Free Calendar, Add Trump's Birthday

The National Park Service has announced changes to its annual fee-free calendar, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of entrance fee-free days for national parks and adding President Trump's birthday, according to a statement released by the agency. The updated calendar also includes the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, and President Teddy Roosevelt's birthday. The changes will take effect starting January 1, 2026. The decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the fee-free calendar has been met with criticism from some civil rights groups, who argue that the move is a step backward in the country's efforts to acknowledge and celebrate its complex history. "This is a disappointing and misguided decision that erases the significance of two important days in American history," said a spokesperson for the NAACP. "We urge the National Park Service to reconsider this decision and prioritize the inclusion of all Americans in the celebration of our national parks." The National Park Service has stated that the changes are part of its efforts to promote "America-first pricing" and to encourage international visitors to support the parks. However, critics argue that the move is a reflection of the administration's broader efforts to downplay the country's racist history and to promote a more nationalist agenda. "This decision is a clear example of the administration's attempt to erase the contributions and experiences of marginalized communities," said a spokesperson for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The updated fee-free calendar includes the following dates: President Trump's birthday (June 14), the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service (August 25), Constitution Day (September 17), and President Teddy Roosevelt's birthday (October 27). Non-U.S. residents will still be required to pay entrance fees on those dates under the new "America-first pricing" policy. The National Park Service has a long history of offering fee-free days to encourage Americans to visit and appreciate their national parks. The agency has traditionally offered these days on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, which are significant dates in American history. However, the updated calendar reflects a shift in the agency's priorities, with a greater emphasis on promoting international tourism and supporting the administration's nationalist agenda. The decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the fee-free calendar has sparked a heated debate among civil rights groups and historians, who argue that the move is a step backward in the country's efforts to acknowledge and celebrate its complex history. "This decision is a clear example of the administration's attempt to erase the contributions and experiences of marginalized communities," said a spokesperson for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The National Park Service has stated that it will continue to offer fee-free days on other dates, including Veterans Day and the first day of National Park Week. However, the updated calendar has sparked concerns among some park advocates, who argue that the move will have a negative impact on park visitation and revenue. "We are concerned that this decision will have a negative impact on park visitation and revenue, particularly among low-income and minority communities," said a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association. The National Park Service has not announced any plans to revisit the decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the fee-free calendar. However, the agency has stated that it will continue to monitor the impact of the changes and make adjustments as necessary.