• MLK Day and Juneteenth removed from national park fee-free days.
• President Trump's birthday and Flag Day added as fee-free days.
• Non-U.S. residents will face increased fees starting in 2026.

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has officially removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from its list of fee-free entrance days, a shift introduced by the Trump administration. In their place, the NPS has added June 14, which is both Flag Day and President Trump's birthday, to the calendar of fee-free days for 2026. This change aligns with Trump's broader agenda to modernize the park service, which has included prioritizing U.S. citizen access over that of foreign visitors, according to CBS News and BBC.

The updated fee structure will apply starting from January 1, 2026, under an executive order that emphasizes "America-first" pricing, meaning non-U.S. residents will still be required to pay fees on those fee-free days. At some of the most visited national parks, international visitors will incur a $100 additional fee on top of the standard entry price. An annual pass for non-residents will also increase to $250, while residents will still pay $80, reports NPR and CBS News.

This policy change has drawn criticism for sidelining significant dates related to American civil rights while promoting days linked to the current administration. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated that these changes ensure taxpayers maintain affordable access while international tourists contribute equitably to park maintenance, according to BBC and NPR. The Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, aims to position these fee-exempted days as "patriotic" moments for American citizens to enjoy the national parks.