Trump Includes Birthday in National Parks Fee-Free Days, Sparks Controversy
The Trump administration has announced plans to modify the free entry days at national parks, a move that has sparked considerable debate. Notably, President Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14 will now be recognized as a fee-free day. Simultaneously, the changes will eliminate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, significant days that honor Black Americans’ history and contributions.
Key Changes to National Parks Fee-Free Days
The revised 2026 schedule significantly departs from the previous calendar, which included Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth among its fee-free days. These alterations have attracted scrutiny from civil rights advocates and certain Democratic lawmakers who argue the removals undermine the acknowledgment of vital civil rights milestones. Critics highlight that removing these holidays, which promoted community service in national parks, is particularly troubling.
New Fee-Free Days
- President Donald Trump’s birthday – June 14
- Constitution Day
- 110th anniversary of the National Park Service
- Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- Veterans Day (remains unchanged)
In contrast, holidays with significant historical implications that were previously fee-free will no longer be included. National Parks Conservation Association representative Kristen Brengel expressed concern, stating that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is widely used for volunteer projects across the parks. U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto also criticized the decision to remove these important dates.
Shift to Digital Access
Alongside the new fee-free days, the Department of Interior plans to implement a digital system for accessing national parks starting January 1, 2026. This approach will include digital versions of the America the Beautiful passes, which visitors can purchase and display on mobile devices. Updates to validation tools aim to streamline entrance procedures, making access to national parks more user-friendly.
Fee Structure Adjustments
The fee structure will also undergo changes to prioritize lower costs for U.S. residents while increasing fees for international visitors. The annual pass for Americans will remain at $80, while nonresidents will see it rise to $250. Additionally, foreign visitors without a pass will incur a $100 fee at the most popular parks.
This overhaul aims to enhance the visitor experience, provide necessary funding for park maintenance, and ensure that national parks can preserve their natural beauty for future generations.
