The US National Park Service (NPS) is removing Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from its list of fee-free entrance days.
This move is part of President Donald Trump's 'modernization' of the park service, which will start in 2026. The updated policy restructures fees to favor American citizens over foreign visitors, following a July executive order from Trump.
In addition to dropping the two significant holidays that celebrate the civil rights leader and the end of slavery in the US, the agency is introducing Flag Day (which coincides with Trump's birthday) as a 'patriotic' free entrance day.
According to the NPS, non-citizens will still be required to pay fees on these fee-free dates.
For the 2026 calendar year, US residents will have free access to national parks on President's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/President Trump's birthday, Independence Day weekend, the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, and Veteran's Day.
Previously, both Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth were recognized as free entry days under the Biden administration.
Under the new rules, US residents will continue to pay $80 for an annual park service pass, while the cost for non-residents will increase from $80 to $250, as announced by the Department of the Interior last month. Those without a pass will pay $100 per person, in addition to standard entrance fees, at 11 of the most visited parks.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated, 'President Trump's leadership always puts American families first.' He emphasized that the policy changes ensure US taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, have affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving the parks.
The department anticipates that surcharges for foreign visitors could generate over $90 million annually.
This is not the first instance of the Trump administration targeting Juneteenth and MLK Jr Day. Earlier this year, Trump enacted an executive order prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal agencies, affecting the commemoration of these holidays, which remain national holidays.
In June, the Trump administration celebrated the US Army's 250th anniversary with a military parade, coinciding with both Flag Day and Trump’s birthday.
The BBC has reached out to the White House for comments.
