National Park Service Alters Free Admission Days, Adds President Trump's Birthday
The National Park Service announced changes to its free admission policy, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth while adding President Donald Trump's birthday, effective January 1.
Overview
The National Park Service will offer free admission to U.S. residents on President Donald Trump's birthday next year, as part of new policy changes.
The new policy eliminates free admission previously offered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a significant civil rights holiday.
Additionally, free admission on Juneteenth, another important civil rights holiday, has also been removed from the National Park Service's calendar.
Civil rights leaders and community groups have expressed opposition to these changes, with some groups planning volunteer projects on the removed holidays.
Democratic lawmakers have also objected to the National Park Service's decision to remove free admission on MLK Day and Juneteenth while adding President Trump's birthday.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by portraying the National Park Service's policy change as a deliberate move by the Trump administration to "downplay America's civil rights history" and promote the president's image. They emphasize the removal of MLK Day and Juneteenth free admission while adding Trump's birthday, linking it to a pattern of actions targeting diversity and Black history.
Sources (3)
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FAQ
The news article does not specify the exact reasons the National Park Service removed free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, only that these changes occurred as part of a new policy effective January 1, 2026.
Starting in 2026, free admission days for U.S. citizens and residents include Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/President Trump's birthday, Independence Day weekend, National Park Service's 110th Birthday, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, and Veterans Day.
Yes, beginning January 1, 2026, free admission on designated days will only apply to U.S. citizens and residents; nonresidents will be required to pay entrance and any applicable nonresident fees.
Civil rights leaders and community groups have expressed opposition to the removal of free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, some planning volunteer projects on these holidays, while Democratic lawmakers have also objected to these policy changes.
In 2026, a new America the Beautiful pass for nonresidents will be available for $250, as all other America the Beautiful passes will be limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Nonresidents will pay regular entrance fees and any applicable nonresident fees on free admission days.
History
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