The Trump administration has revised the national park system’s free entry days, replacing holidays honoring civil rights leaders with dates linked to U.S. presidents – most notably, adding President Donald Trump’s birthday (June 14th, also Flag Day) to the schedule. This change, announced by the Department of the Interior, also includes the Fourth of July weekend and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, while removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth.
Changes to Access and Priorities
The revised policy applies only to U.S. citizens and residents; non-residents will now face entry fees, with some parks adding a $100 surcharge per person over 16. This shift marks a significant departure from the previous two years, where MLK Day and Juneteenth were included as fee-free days.
Broader Policy Context
The alterations align with the administration’s broader push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump criticized Juneteenth, calling it an unnecessary “non-working holiday” that costs the country “$BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.” He further stated that too many holidays hurt the economy and suggested a need to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” by reducing them.
Removal of DEI-Related Items
Internal memos from the Department of the Interior show that national parks have also been directed to remove gift shop items supporting DEI initiatives. The department justified this action as ensuring “neutral spaces” for all visitors, in compliance with Secretary’s Order 3416, which aims to end “DEI programs and gender ideology extremism.”
Significance and Implications
These policy changes represent a clear shift in priorities, prioritizing presidential recognition over holidays honoring civil rights milestones. The move raises questions about the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and its willingness to politicize national park access. The long-term effects of these policies on public perception and park visitation remain to be seen.
The Trump administration’s decision signals a broader trend of revising national symbols and policies to align with its political agenda. The removal of MLK Day and Juneteenth, combined with the addition of Trump’s birthday, is a pointed demonstration of this shift.
