US President Donald Trump has announced that his birthday, as well as Flag Day and the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, will be free days for entry into national parks. This decision marks a significant shift in how Americans can access these protected areas, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth being axed from the list.
In contrast to previous years, when many civil rights observances were included, this year's lineup has been stripped of several events honoring Black American history and contributions. This move has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers who argue that the removals will have a negative impact on communities of color.
The National Parks Conservation Association has expressed concerns over the elimination of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which had become a popular day for community groups to conduct volunteer projects at national parks. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto also weighed in on the changes, stating that the President's actions undermine the country's commitment to civil rights and freedom.
In response, the Trump administration is introducing fully digital America the Beautiful passes that can be purchased and displayed on mobile devices. This will allow visitors to activate their passes instantly and link them to physical cards if needed. The agency has also rolled out new validation tools and training for park staff to speed up entrance lines and simplify visitor experiences.
The department is implementing a new fee structure, with lower costs for US residents and higher prices for international visitors. The annual pass will remain $80 for Americans but jump to $250 for nonresidents. Foreign visitors who do not hold a pass will pay an additional $100 per person at 11 of the most visited national parks.
While this overhaul aims to improve efficiency and revenue, it has sparked controversy among those who value the historical significance of these events and the importance of preserving access for all Americans.
In contrast to previous years, when many civil rights observances were included, this year's lineup has been stripped of several events honoring Black American history and contributions. This move has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers who argue that the removals will have a negative impact on communities of color.
The National Parks Conservation Association has expressed concerns over the elimination of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which had become a popular day for community groups to conduct volunteer projects at national parks. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto also weighed in on the changes, stating that the President's actions undermine the country's commitment to civil rights and freedom.
In response, the Trump administration is introducing fully digital America the Beautiful passes that can be purchased and displayed on mobile devices. This will allow visitors to activate their passes instantly and link them to physical cards if needed. The agency has also rolled out new validation tools and training for park staff to speed up entrance lines and simplify visitor experiences.
The department is implementing a new fee structure, with lower costs for US residents and higher prices for international visitors. The annual pass will remain $80 for Americans but jump to $250 for nonresidents. Foreign visitors who do not hold a pass will pay an additional $100 per person at 11 of the most visited national parks.
While this overhaul aims to improve efficiency and revenue, it has sparked controversy among those who value the historical significance of these events and the importance of preserving access for all Americans.
like whats going on with flag day now? and martin luther king jr day is literally one of the most important holidays in america i cant believe trump axed it from the list 
i mean i get it he wants to make america great again but come on dude we need our civil rights too 
theres nothing wrong with giving back to the community and having a good time at the national parks i hope they dont implement this new fee structure because im not paying $250 for a pass lol that's just crazy 
. On one hand, makin' national parks free days is like openin' doors to a whole new world of experience and connection with nature, but on the other hand, you gotta wonder what's the real cost of erasin' the historical significance of events that matter to our communities 
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. By axin' Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list, he's essentially erasin' the voices of those who've fought for equality and justice in our country. And that's somethin' we can't just replace with a shiny new digital pass or a fancy fee structure 
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. It's a complex issue, but one thing's for sure: we gotta keep havin' these tough conversations about what freedom means to us all 
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, i mean i get the need to make changes but axing mlnkjr day from the list is just so not cool 
. and what's with the new fee structure? $250 for nonresidents? that's just gonna price out a lot of people who already struggle to visit these amazing parks 
. i think we should find a way to make these passes more accessible, not less 
They're basically erasing history and making a bunch of holidays disappear? Like what even is the point of having national parks if you can't celebrate the people who fought for our rights?! 
. I mean, I get that the government wants to make a buck, but this is so selfish! 
, I'm so divided about this new policy on free days in national parks 
! On one hand, $80 a year is a steal 
. I'm also worried about how this new fee structure is gonna affect low-income families who can't afford the $250+ passes for non-residents 
. Its like, whats the point of having protected areas if we can't even acknowledge our own history and struggles? 
I get that the Trump admin is trying to streamline things and make it more efficient, but can't they find a way to do it without erasing some of our most important cultural markers? 
The fact that they're introducing digital passes with higher prices for international visitors also feels like another way to limit access to these spaces 
. What's the value of preserving our natural beauty if we can't preserve our own identity and heritage? 
, another way for Trump to try and "make America great" while basically telling people of color that their heritage isn't worth celebrating anymore 
. Like, no thanks, I get it, his birthday is a freebie now 
, but can we please just keep the important stuff? 
. Just make it simple, Mr. President, and stop making a mess of our national parks 
It just doesn't feel right that these important days are being axed when they're so closely tied to American history and culture. And let's be real, it's a no-brainer that this is all about the benjamins 
. And now they're taking away free days for entry into national parks? That's not cool, fam