The Trump administration has restructured National Park Service fee-free days to prioritize patriotic holidays while ensuring American taxpayers receive preferential treatment over foreign visitors.
Story Overview
- MLK Day and Juneteenth removed from fee-free days, replaced with Trump’s birthday/Flag Day
- New $100 non-resident fees imposed on foreign visitors at 11 popular parks
- Changes align with America First policies prioritizing U.S. taxpayers
- Fee restructuring expected to generate over $90 million annually
America First Approach to National Parks
The National Park Service has revised its fee-free calendar to emphasize patriotic holidays while removing politically motivated observances added during the Biden era.
June 14, celebrating both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, has been added to the list of free admission days. This change eliminates Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, which were designated as fee-free days under the previous administration’s progressive agenda.
National parks add Trump's birthday to list of fee-free days and remove MLK Day, Juneteenth https://t.co/pviXqea6h0
— CBSColorado (@CBSNewsColorado) December 7, 2025
Patriotic Focus Replaces Woke Priorities
The new fee-free schedule centers on genuinely American commemorative dates that honor the nation’s founding principles and military service. Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, the Independence Day weekend, Constitution Day, and Veterans Day remain free.
The calendar also includes the National Park Service’s 110th birthday and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, honoring the conservation movement’s founder. This patriotic emphasis represents a clear departure from Biden-era identity politics.
Foreign Visitors Pay Fair Share
The Trump administration implemented substantial fee increases for non-U.S. citizens visiting America’s most popular parks. Foreign visitors now pay a $100 non-resident surcharge at eleven premier destinations, while annual passes for international tourists increase from $80 to $250 beginning in 2026.
These changes ensure that foreign nationals contribute appropriately to park maintenance and improvements rather than subsidizing their visits with American taxpayer funds.
Economic Benefits for American Taxpayers
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that the restructured fee system guarantees American taxpayers “continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share.”
The Department of the Interior projects these changes will generate over $90 million annually for park improvements and maintenance. With approximately 14 million international visitors annually, this revenue stream reduces the burden on American families while maintaining world-class recreational facilities.
Constitutional Priorities Restored
The fee restructuring follows President Trump’s executive order directing preferential treatment for U.S. residents in recreational access rules, including permitting and lottery systems.
This America First approach reverses years of globalist policies that treated foreign visitors the same as American citizens. The changes reflect constitutional principles that prioritize citizens’ rights and ensure government resources serve Americans first, not international tourists seeking subsidized vacations.
