The White House and the National Park Service (NPS) are facing a fierce public backlash over a controversial update to the schedule of free-entry days for national parks in 2026. The agency has decided to remove two significant holidays tied to Black history—Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth—from its list of 'patriotic fee-free days.' In their place, it has added June 14, which is both Flag Day and former President Donald Trump's birthday.
White House Defends Move Amid Sharp Criticism
The decision quickly ignited a storm on social media, with critics accusing the administration of political favoritism and erasing important cultural commemorations. The controversy escalated when New York Times correspondent Peter Baker highlighted the change on the platform X. The White House responded aggressively to his post, stating, "It’s Flag Day, you insufferable moron — which also happens to be President Trump’s birthday. But you already knew that."
Despite this sharp pushback, the explanation did little to quell the anger online. Many users pointed out that Flag Day is not a federal holiday, while both MLK Day and Juneteenth are nationally recognized legal holidays. The NPS website now explicitly lists June 14 as a free day, noting it is 'Flag Day/President Trump’s Birthday.'
Social Media Erupts with Accusations of Bias
The online reaction was swift and severe, with thousands of posts condemning the move. One social media user remarked, "Trump thinks he’s greater than MLK," capturing the sentiment of many who saw the change as a deliberate slight. Others questioned the logic behind swapping established national holidays for a commemoration that is not widely observed as a day off.
Key questions raised by critics include:
- Why remove two holidays that celebrate Black history and achievement?
- If the intent was to honor Flag Day, why prominently mention Trump's birthday on the official site?
- Why not simply add more free days instead of cancelling existing ones?
Another critic noted the symbolic weight of the decision, arguing, "Why choose Flag Day, which is not a legal holiday, over MLK’s Birthday and Juneteenth — both of which are legal holidays?"
New 'America-First' Fees for Foreign Tourists
This shift in free-entry days is part of a broader policy change under the Trump administration aimed at prioritizing American citizens. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the strategy, stating, "President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first… international visitors should contribute their fair share to maintaining our parks."
The new fee structure, set to begin in 2026, introduces significant changes:
- Free-entry days will apply exclusively to U.S. citizens and legal residents.
- Non-residents will be charged $100 per person to enter 11 of the most popular national parks, effective January 1, 2026.
- Annual park passes will cost $80 for U.S. residents but jump to $250 for foreign visitors.
The list of free days for 2026 now includes the July 4th weekend, the NPS's 110th Birthday, and June 14 (Flag Day/Trump's Birthday), while excluding the previously free MLK Day and Juneteenth. The move has solidified the administration's 'America-first' approach to public lands, even as it fuels a heated debate about history, representation, and the role of national parks.
