The National Park Service’s updated list of “fee-free patriotic days” for 2026 has sparked an online firestorm after it removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day from its free admissions calendar. and Juneteenth and added June 14 — President Donald Trump’s birthday and Flag Day.
The decision drew sharp criticism on social media, with many questioning why two major holidays associated with black history were dropped.
The move comes as part of a broader push by the Trump administration to grant priority access to American citizens while raising fees for foreign tourists.
The White House strikes back
Amid the backlash, the White House hit back at New York Times correspondent Peter Baker after he highlighted the change to X. Baker wrote that the Trump administration added free admission on Trump’s birthday while removing free admission on MLK Day and Juneteenth.
The White House responded: “It’s Flag Day, you insufferable moron — which also happens to be President Trump’s birthday. But you already knew that.”
Despite the backlash, online critics remained unconvinced.
Online outrage is building
Social media users were quick to condemn the move, accusing the administration of patronizing and political messaging.
One user wrote: “Trump thinks he’s bigger than MLK.”
Another questioned the rationale for canceling historically significant holidays: “Why remove two NATIONAL holidays that celebrate black people and replace them with Flag Day – which isn’t even a national holiday?”
Another pointed to inconsistencies in the explanation offered by the White House: “If this really is Flag Day, why is Trump’s birthday listed on the website? Why not just call it Flag Day?”
Another reaction was: “Fine, add more days off — but why cancel MLK Day? Why cancel Juneteenth?”
Another argued that the move sends a troubling message: “Why choose Flag Day, which is not a legal holiday, over MLK’s birthday and July – both of which are legal holidays?
What has changed in NPS policy
According to the National Park Service website:
Removed free entry holidays (previously included):
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
New additions to “Patriot Free Days”:
June 14 (Flag Day/Trump’s Birthday)
The website also notes that starting in 2026, free admission days will only apply to US citizens and residents.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum defended the policy, saying, “President Trump’s administration has always put American families first … international visitors should contribute their fair share to the upkeep of our parks.”
New fees for foreign tourists
As part of the new “America First” initiative:
Starting January 1, non-residents will pay $100 per person to enter the 11 most visited national parks.
Annual passes will cost $80 for US residents and $250 for non-residents starting in 2026.
