The Trump administration has replaced Biden’s woke holiday selections for National Parks fee-free days with patriotic celebrations, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth while adding President Trump’s birthday and Flag Day.
Story Highlights
- National Park Service removes MLK Day and Juneteenth as fee-free days under the new administration
- June 14 added as free day, celebrating both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday
- Most free days now focus on patriotic holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day
- Changes align with new $100 non-resident fees for foreign visitors at popular parks
Trump Administration Prioritizes Patriotic Holidays Over Woke Agenda
The National Park Service has officially updated its fee-free days calendar, eliminating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth—both designated by the Biden administration—in favor of traditional patriotic observances.
June 14 is now added to the list as a fee-free day, honoring both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday. This shift represents a clear departure from the previous administration’s emphasis on progressive social causes within federal recreation policies.
National parks add Trump's birthday to list of fee-free days and remove MLK Day, Juneteenth https://t.co/pviXqea6h0
— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) December 7, 2025
New Calendar Emphasizes American Heritage and Military Service
The revised fee-free days predominantly celebrate America’s founding principles and military sacrifice. Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend, Constitution Day, and Veterans Day anchor the calendar alongside the National Park Service’s 110th birthday and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.
Roosevelt, recognized as the founder of the National Park Service, represents the conservation legacy that built America’s park system. This patriotic focus contrasts sharply with Biden’s inclusion of more recently established federal holidays.
Foreign Visitors Face Higher Fees While Americans Get Relief
The calendar changes complement broader Trump administration policies prioritizing American taxpayers over international tourists.
Non-citizens and non-permanent residents must pay entrance fees even on free days, plus new $100 non-resident fees at eleven popular parks. Annual passes for foreign visitors will increase from $80 to $250 beginning in 2026, while Americans maintain affordable access to their own national treasures.
Policy Generates Significant Revenue for Park Maintenance
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that these changes ensure international visitors “contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations” while protecting affordable access for U.S. taxpayers.
The Department of the Interior estimates the non-resident surcharge will generate over $90 million annually for park improvements. With approximately 14 million international visitors in 2018, this revenue stream addresses long-standing maintenance backlogs without burdening American families.
