(AURN News) — Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth are out, and President Donald Trump’s birthday is in when it comes to celebratory fee-free days at national parks across the country. In what critics call another anti-DEI move, the Trump administration announced what it calls “resident-only patriotic fee-free days for 2026.”
MLK Day and Juneteenth, which were included in the 2025 calendar, were removed, and the president’s birthday was added on June 14, 2026.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.
“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations,” he added.
Other changes include higher costs for non-Americans.
“Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Annual Pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit. Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee,” the Department of the Interior said in the official announcement.
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