Following an order from California Governor Gavin Newsom, over 200 California State Parks honored the free entry policy on MLK Day. This was shortly after President Donald Trump ordered the holiday to be removed from the National Parks Services’ fee-free days for the first time in 14 years. Governor Gavin Newsom encouraged Californians to spend their MLK Day outside to “reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.”
In Nov. 2025, Trump deemed that Martin Luther King Jr. Day, along with Juneteenth, would be removed from the list of fee-free entry days at National Parks in 2026. Instead, June 14, Trump’s birthday which falls on Flag Day, will be taking the place of those holidays. As a result, Newsom counteracted this policy change by making California State Parks free on Jan. 19, 2026.
His move directly opposes Trump’s recent policies that have aimed for the roll-back of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies. This has included slashing DEI departments in public universities, removing any consideration of DEI in federal policy making and now dropping the remembrance of Dr. King from all 63 National Parks.
The removal of MLK day as a fee-free day has been met with push back, with people accusing Trump of silencing black history. Nina Artis, a Black Student Union Officer at Sage Creek, believes that discouraging knowledge about American history is harvesting ignorance.
“Removing these black holidays from free entry at National Parks are indirect but direct ways of saying we need to hide this country’s dark and cruel history,” said Artis. “The only way we can grow as a country is if we acknowledge the past.”
However, Newsom’s move is not only counteracting this removal, but also encouraging the public to appreciate America’s wilderness.
Normally, California State Parks are about $10 to $20 for Day Use access, but Newsom’s announcement to make MLK Day a fee-free park day encourages the appreciation of nature alongside the remembrance of Dr. King.
Gavin Haney, a National Park Annual Pass holder and Carlsbad resident, believes that environmental education is pivotal in helping the future generation to protect it.
“Fundamentally, the idea of giving access to these parks is great,” said Haney. “Even if it is only a couple days out of the year and costs a little more money for California taxpayers to give people access to these resources for free, I am all for it.”
The free entry days at National Parks are attempting to help break down monetary barriers, increasing tourism and inclusivity in viewing the natural beauty of America. When these days are taken away, even if it is symbolically, it impacts American access.
Of the 200 parks and beaches that had free access, 14 of them are in San Diego County. This list ranges from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park all the way to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
“The more we can do to let people into the parks to preserve the environment is a really important fabric within the United States,” said Haney. “We need to continue to promote that.”