Summary
The U.S. National Park Service plans to change its free entry days to national parks, removing Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth. Instead, Flag Day, which is also President Trump's birthday, will be a new fee-free day. The focus is on making park access more affordable for American citizens while charging more for international visitors.
Key Facts
- The National Park Service will remove Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from its fee-free entry days starting in 2026.
- Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump's birthday, will become a fee-free day.
- U.S. citizens will get free park access on several holidays, including President's Day and Memorial Day.
- The Trump administration's changes aim to benefit American citizens over foreign visitors regarding park fees.
- U.S. residents continue to pay $80 for an annual park pass, while non-residents will pay $250.
- The policy changes are part of President Trump's modernization efforts for the National Park Service.
- The Department of the Interior estimates that increased charges on foreign visitors could bring in over $90 million annually.
