WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service has announced that U.S. residents will get free admission on President Donald Trump’s birthday next year, which is also Flag Day. However, they will no longer offer free entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth.
This change highlights a growing trend to promote Trump’s image while neglecting significant civil rights milestones. Last year, both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, which celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Americans, were included in the list of free days, but not Trump’s birthday.
Starting January 1, 2026, free days will include Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and a few others, but missing are two pivotal holidays that honor African American history. This shift has sparked backlash from civil rights advocates. Many view it as a step backward in recognizing the contributions of Black Americans.
Cornell William Brooks, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and former NAACP president, expressed strong disapproval, stating that the change reeks of racism. Kristen Brengel from the National Parks Conservation Association emphasized the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a time when many community groups volunteer in parks. Without free admission, these projects could become financially burdensome.
Some lawmakers are also raising concerns. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto from Nevada called the decision disrespectful, noting that it undermines the struggles for civil rights.
Trump’s administration has often minimized discussions around diversity and has drawn criticism for efforts that seem to erase important aspects of American history, particularly those tied to civil rights.
Interestingly, a recent survey indicated that a majority of Americans feel it’s essential to recognize diverse histories in educational content and public policies. The backlash to this new admission policy highlights a broader societal concern about the representation of civil rights and the importance of recognizing historical struggles faced by marginalized communities.
The Park Service has not elaborated on the reasons for these changes, leaving many questions unanswered about their motivations. As we move forward, understanding the complexities of these decisions will become increasingly important in the context of America’s ongoing discussions about race and identity.
For further context on the significance of these holidays, you can refer to the National Park Service’s information on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth.
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