Trump Gets a National Parks Birthday Bash — But Who Loses Out?

In a startling shift, the National Park Service has announced that Donald Trump’s birthday will now be one of the few days you can enter parks for free. Starting in 2026, the celebration on June 14 will replace Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the lineup of free entry days. Yes, you heard that right—the days honoring monumental moments in civil rights are out, while a birthday goes in. One can’t help but wonder what this signals about priorities.

The change affects access to 116 parks, including some of the most iconic landscapes like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. The administration is labeling these days as “patriotic fee-free days,” citing a push to make parks more affordable for American families. Yet, altering the significance of historical holidays raises eyebrows across the board. While Americans may celebrate a birthday more than they recognize certain holidays, there’s a missed opportunity to honor collective history while enjoying the beauty of nature.

This decision is part of a broader initiative to ensure that U.S. taxpayers continue benefiting from access to national parks while charging foreign visitors higher fees. It’s a complex situation that seems to prioritize creating a tourist-friendly environment over maintaining inclusive, enriching experiences for everyone. As this drama unfolds, it leaves many pondering the price of access to these national treasures: is it worth it, and at what cost?