As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, questions have arisen regarding President Donald Trump’s actions concerning this significant federal holiday along with Juneteenth. However, it’s important to clarify that President Trump does not possess the unilateral authority to cancel MLK Day, as this holiday is protected as one of the twelve federal holidays established by law. Any cancellation would necessitate congressional action.
Despite this, recent developments indicate changes related to how these holidays will be recognized, particularly in the context of entrance fees at national parks. The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that there will be no fee-free days at national parks for MLK Day or Juneteenth starting in 2026. This adjustment means that visitors will need to pay the full admission price to enter national parks on these holidays, which has drawn criticism from various civil rights organizations, including the NAACP.
The altered fee structure was framed by the Interior Department as an effort to enhance accessibility and efficiency in national parks. Annually, beginning in 2026, the cost for an annual pass will be set at $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, along with a $100 fee for nonresidents without a pass to access some of the most popular national parks.
The NAACP has publicly denounced this decision, claiming it undermines the historical significance of both MLK Day and Juneteenth. They expressed that the exclusion of these holidays from the fee waiver program reflects a larger pattern of divisive politics, aimed at diminishing recognition of progress achieved by the Black community in America.
MLK Day is scheduled for January 19, 2026, while Juneteenth will occur on June 19, 2026. On these days, government institutions such as banks and courts will observe closures as part of the federal holiday recognition.
While the changes to national park admissions may pose challenges for those seeking to honor these holidays in a public space, they also present an opportunity for communities to reflect on the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth in American history and to seek alternative ways to celebrate and promote awareness of their significance.