Millenium TV Exclusive: National Parks Modernization Axes MLK Day, Juneteenth for Fee-Free Access, Prioritizing US Citizens

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) is implementing significant changes to its fee-free entrance days, notably removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list. These adjustments are part of President Donald Trump’s “modernization” initiative for the park service, which, beginning in 2026, will also revamp the cost structure to give preferential treatment to American citizens over international visitors.

Millenium TV has learned that in place of the holidays honoring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and the end of slavery in the United States, the agency is adding Flag Day as a “patriotic” fee-free day. This date also coincides with President Trump’s birthday. Critically, the NPS confirmed that individuals who are not U.S. citizens will still be required to pay entrance fees on these designated fee-free dates.

For the 2026 calendar year, U.S. residents will enjoy complimentary access to national parks on several dates, including President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday, the Independence Day weekend, the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, and Veteran’s Day. Under the previous administration, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth were both designated as fee-free entry days.

Under the Trump administration’s new regulations, U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for an annual park service pass. However, the Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, recently announced a substantial increase for non-residents, who will face an annual pass cost of $250. Additionally, those without an annual pass will pay $100 per person, on top of standard entrance fees, at 11 of the most frequently visited parks.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum explained the rationale behind the policy shift. “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Burgum stated. He further added that these policies are designed to “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.” The department’s budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year projected that surcharges for foreign visitors would generate more than $90 million annually.

This is not the first instance where the Trump administration has adjusted policies affecting Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. On his first day in office this year, President Trump issued an executive order prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies. This directive subsequently led several agencies to restrict celebrations of holidays perceived as DEI-related, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, although both remain recognized national holidays. Millenium TV also notes that in June, a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary was held in Washington D.C., coinciding with both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday.