In brief
In a significant policy shift, the US National Park Service has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from its list of fee-free entrance days. Starting in 2026, the service will prioritize free access on holidays such as Flag Day, coinciding with President Trump's birthday, reflecting a broader effort to adjust fee structures that favor US citizens over foreign visitors. This changes the landscape of national park access and adds a layer of complexity for international travelers.
The US National Park Service (NPS) has announced a controversial decision to remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from its list of fee-free entrance days.
This change aligns with President Trump's initiative to modernize the park service and modify the park fee structures, which will take effect in 2026. Under the new guidelines, the park service will now recognize Flag Day, which also coincides with Trump’s birthday, as a fee-free day, shifting away from the previous acknowledgment of civil rights holidays.
Under this new fee structure, individuals who are not US citizens will continue to incur fees even on formerly free days, while US residents will have access on new designated holidays, including Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend.
The previous administration under President Biden had considered both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth as days of free entry for visitors, aiming to honor the historical significance of these dates.
The new policies have sparked significant debate, particularly concerning fairness and inclusivity in accessibility to national parks. US residents will still pay an annual park service pass fee of $80, while fees for non-residents will see a dramatic increase from $80 to $250.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated that the policies are designed to ensure US taxpayers are prioritized, enabling them to enjoy affordable access while requiring foreign visitors to contribute equitably to the maintenance of national parks.
Critics of this decision point out that it represents a troubling trend towards de-emphasizing civil rights and diversity in national narratives, particularly since there have been previous actions from the Trump administration to curtail celebrations of DEI-related holidays.
The BBC has reached out to the White House for further comment regarding these changes.
