National Parks Fee-Free Days 2026: MLK Day and Juneteenth Removed, Trump's Birthday Added
Changes to National Parks Fee-Free Days
The upcoming national parks fee-free calendar for 2026 marks a notable shift in the holidays recognized for free admission. The Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of exempt dates, which previously allowed visitors to enter national parks without paying fees. Instead, the calendar now includes former President Donald Trump's birthday as a fee-free day, reflecting a departure from traditional observances.
Context and Reactions
This change aligns with the administration’s criticism of what it terms "woke" policies, signaling a political stance in federal park management. Historically, fee-free days like MLK Day and Juneteenth celebrated civil rights and emancipation milestones, encouraging diverse groups to access national treasures. Including Trump’s birthday is unprecedented and has sparked debate about the role of politics in public land access.
Impact on Visitors and Parks
Visitors planning trips to national parks should note these updates to avoid surprises. Fee-free days often increase attendance, benefiting public engagement but also challenging park resources. As the calendar evolves, the balance between honoring heritage and political messaging continues to shape national park policies.
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
