Donald Trump has incited widespread controversy by modifying the list of free-admission days at US National Parks, removing two historically important holidays and inserting a day dedicated to himself.

It was recently announced that the National Park Service (NPS) has reorganized its fee-free day schedule and will remove Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. In their place, Trump’s birthday on June 14—which coincides with Flag Day—has been added to the 2026 lineup of complimentary admission dates, joining Independence Day weekend and President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated in January, honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader, while Juneteenth is observed on June 19, marking the historic end of slavery in the United States.

According to the BBC, this adjustment is part of Trump’s initiative to “modernize” the National Park Service starting in 2026. This plan additionally revises park fees to favor American citizens over international visitors, following an executive order launched in July.

Although Trump has added his birthday to the list of “patriotic” fee-free days, the National Park Service stated that non-US citizens would still be subject to fees even on these special dates.

In 2026, US citizens will enjoy free entry into national parks on select days including President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/Trump’s birthday, the Independence Day weekend, the National Park Service’s 110th anniversary, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, and Veterans Day.

Throughout the Biden administration, both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth were recognized as free-entry days. Now, Americans need to purchase an $80 annual pass, while international visitors incur a higher charge of $250, as disclosed by the Department of the Interior.

The general public has reacted quickly and negatively. One user on X (formerly known as Twitter) expressed:

“It’s astonishing how self-centered this man is.”

Another commenter shared:

“Removing MLK Day and Juneteenth from free-admission and replacing them with his own birthday? Unbelievable.”

Another individual weighed in, saying:

“They claim this is about ‘modernizing’ the calendar, but what’s truly happening is altering national memory under the guise of policy.”

Some questioned the real motives behind the move, with one person asking:

“What could justify this change that isn’t rooted in prejudice?”

Another observer noted:

“National Parks will bypass Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth for free entry—but embrace Trump’s birthday. This isn’t a joke. It’s our new reality.”

Others called for immediate redress:

“These traditional holidays need to be restored by the next administration—or sooner.”

One determined voice vowed to take matters into their own hands, declaring:

“I’ll visit the parks on MLK Day and Juneteenth and willingly pay, but refuse to go for free on Trump’s birthday.”