National Park Service removes free entry on Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth
The US National Park Service (NPS) is removing Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from its list of free admission days.
The move is part of President Donald Trump’s “modernization” of the parking service starting in 2026; This also includes changing the parks’ cost structure to favor American citizens over foreign visitors following Trump’s executive order in July.
In addition to removing two holidays celebrating civil rights leader MLK Jr. and the end of slavery in the United States, the agency is adding Flag Day, which is also Trump’s birthday, as a “patriotic” free day.
Non-U.S. citizens will still have to pay fees on free dates, NPS said.
For the 2026 calendar year, U.S. residents will be granted free access to national parks on President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday, Independence Day weekend, the National Park Service’s 110th Birthday, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, and Veterans Day.
Previously, Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth were considered free admission days by the Biden administration.
Under the Trump administration’s new rules, US residents will continue to pay $80 (£60) for an annual parking service pass.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, which oversees park services, announced last month that the annual pass fee for the 11 most visited parks will be $250 for those living abroad, and $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee for those who do not.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers who already support the National Park System continue to benefit from affordable access, while international visitors contribute equitably to the maintenance and improvement of our parks for future generations,” Burgum’s statement continued.
Ministry’s forecast in May budget proposal For fiscal year 2026, surcharges for foreign visitors are projected to be more than $90 million annually.
This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has targeted Juneteenth and MLK Jr Day.
On his first day in office this year, Trump issued an executive order banning federal agencies from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs; This has led multiple agencies to ban holiday celebrations seen as DEI-related, including MLK Jr Day and Juneteenth. However, these two dates remain national holidays.
In June, the Trump administration held a military parade in Washington, DC, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army; this also coincided with both Flag Day and Trump’s birthday.
The BBC has contacted the White House for comment.
