Donald Trump has eliminated two previously designated ‘fee-free’ days at National Parks, substituting them with his own birthday.
The dates removed from the fee-free calendar are Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth.
These days are significant as they relate to the ongoing struggle for the rights and freedoms of African Americans in the United States.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, honors the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was tragically assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968.
Juneteenth, a blend of ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth,’ commemorates the enforcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.
This day signifies the conclusion of the US Civil War and the formal abolition of slavery across the nation, which occurred on June 19, 1865.
This decision by Trump aligns with a larger initiative by his administration to challenge holidays linked to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
In place of those days, Trump has designated his birthday, coinciding with Flag Day, as a fee-free day for national park admission.
A notice outlined the dates when US residents can enjoy free entry, listing June 14 as ‘Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday’.
However, under new regulations, not everyone will benefit from this change, as the ‘America-first pricing’ initiative will include specific provisions.
According to this system, non-US residents are still required to pay entry on days when US residents can enter for free.
In addition, visitors to 11 top national parks may incur an extra $100 fee on top of the regular entrance cost.
Additionally, the annual pass rate for non-residents will increase to $250, whereas residents will pay only $80.
This change is part of an executive order issued by Trump, which emphasizes that residents should receive ‘preferential treatment with respect to any remaining recreational access rules, including permitting or lottery rules’.
In a statement, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum explained: “These policies 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.”
Another adjustment includes the ‘America the Beautiful’ pass now covering two motorcycles instead of one.