The US National Park Service (NPS) is removing Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from its list of fee-free entrance days.
This move is part of President Donald Trump's modernisation of the park service, which, beginning in 2026, includes changing the parks' cost structure to favor American citizens over foreign visitors, following a July executive order from Trump.
Alongside the removal of these two significant holidays—celebrating civil rights and the end of slavery—the agency is adding Flag Day, coinciding with Trump's birthday, as a patriotic fee-free day.
Non-citizens will still have to pay fees on fee-free dates, according to the NPS.
In 2026, US residents will enjoy free access on holidays including President's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/Trump's birthday, Independence Day weekend, and more, while Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth have been stripped from the list.
Previously, both holidays had been recognized as fee-free entry days under the Biden administration.
New rules will maintain the annual park service pass fee at $80 (£60) for US residents, while non-residents will be charged $250, with additional costs at the most visited parks.
President Trump's leadership always puts American families first, stated Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. This policy aims to ensure US taxpayers can access national parks affordably, while requiring international visitors to contribute their fair share.
The department anticipates that surcharges on foreign visitors could generate over $90 million annually.
This is not the first instance the Trump administration has targeted the significance of Juneteenth and MLK Jr Day; earlier efforts to restrict diversity initiatives within federal agencies resulted in agencies avoiding celebrations of these holidays, although they remain national holidays.
The BBC has reached out to the White House for further comments.
