National Park Service Adds Trump’s Birthday To Free Admission Days, Removes MLK Day And Juneteenth
7 weeks ago
The National Park Service is revising its free-admission schedule for 2026, adding President Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14 — which also coincides with Flag Day — while removing both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth.
The new policy takes effect January 1 and is part of a broader set of changes, including higher admission fees for international visitors.
While the Park Service has adjusted free-admission days under past administrations, this latest shift is drawing criticism from civil rights groups and some Democratic lawmakers, who say it downplays important moments in American history.
Supporters of the administration argue that Trump’s birthday and Flag Day reflect a focus on patriotic holidays. The NPS did not immediately comment on the reasons for the changes.
The new policy takes effect January 1 and is part of a broader set of changes, including higher admission fees for international visitors.
While the Park Service has adjusted free-admission days under past administrations, this latest shift is drawing criticism from civil rights groups and some Democratic lawmakers, who say it downplays important moments in American history.
Supporters of the administration argue that Trump’s birthday and Flag Day reflect a focus on patriotic holidays. The NPS did not immediately comment on the reasons for the changes.
