In a controversial move, Donald Trump has decreed that entrance to U.S. national parks will be free on his birthday, while simultaneously removing complimentary access on significant days for the African American community such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the United States.
Starting in 2026, the Department of the Interior will modify its "free entry days" schedule for national parks to incorporate June 14th—Trump's birthday and Flag Day—as a new fee-free date for park visitors. This decision eliminates the federal holidays honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and Juneteenth from the list, sparking criticism from civil rights activists who argue that it undermines the importance of these days.
According to a CNN report, this adjustment is part of a broader review of the free day program, which the administration is promoting as a way to foster "patriotism" while directing benefits more towards American families. At the same time, it increases financial burdens on international visitors through higher pass fees and surcharges at the most popular parks.
However, the timing of this change amidst current racial and political tensions raises concerns. The replacement of two pivotal dates in African American history with the president's birthday is being viewed as a symbolic assertion of authority and an attempt to reshape the national civic calendar.
New Additions to the Free Entry Calendar
Alongside Donald Trump's birthday on June 14th, which coincides with Flag Day, the 2026 free entry calendar adds several other dates. These include Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, a three-day stretch for the July 4th weekend, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) on August 25th, Constitution Day on September 17th, and the birthday of former President Theodore Roosevelt on October 27th.
Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as "the conservation president," played a crucial role in expanding the National Park System, having doubled the number of sites during his time in office, as noted by the NPS website.
FAQs About Changes to National Park Free Entry Days
Why is Trump's birthday being added to the free entry days?
Trump's birthday is being added as part of an initiative to promote patriotism and redirect benefits towards American families, according to the administration's narrative.
What is the significance of removing MLK Day and Juneteenth from the free entry schedule?
The removal of these dates has been criticized as it diminishes the recognition of critical events in African American history, fostering a sense of exclusion among communities that value these commemorations.