The National Park Service has announced a new policy regarding free admission days for U.S. residents, which will include President Donald Trump's birthday on June 14, coinciding with Flag Day. In contrast, the agency will eliminate free admission for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Americans in 1865. This change is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is part of a broader adjustment that includes increased admission fees for international visitors.

The decision to remove free admission on these significant civil rights holidays has drawn criticism from various civil rights leaders and organizations. Cornell William Brooks, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School and former president of the NAACP, expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the perceived racial insensitivity of the policy. Kristen Brengel, a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association, noted that Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a day of service for many community groups, which will now face increased costs to participate in volunteer projects at national parks.

Democratic lawmakers have also voiced their concerns, with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada stating that the removal of these holidays undermines the recognition of Black Americans' struggles for civil rights and freedom. The National Park Service has not provided a detailed explanation for the changes, which some observers view as part of a broader trend under the Trump administration to diminish the visibility of civil rights history and achievements.

Since taking office, President Trump has been associated with efforts to eliminate programs that promote diversity within the federal government, which critics argue contributes to a narrative that downplays America's history of racism and civil rights victories. The president's actions have included attempts to rename institutions and programs in his honor, further emphasizing his focus on self-promotion.