Following the Trump administration's decision to remove MLK Day and Juneteenth from the 2026 National Parks fee-free days, there has been notable backlash. Credit: Getty Images

Trump removes MLK Day, Juneteenth from free park days

When the Trump administration decided to drop both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from next year’s free-entry days at national parks, I told myself, “What other petty things do they have up their sleeves?” How does this benefit the American people? These two dates honor Black Americans’ fight for dignity and freedom. 

Instead of keeping days that carry real national meaning, Trump added his own birthday, which falls on Flag Day. It was a self-promotional move. Juneteenth became a federal holiday under the Biden administration in 2021, but Black communities in Texas and across the United States have observed it for more than a century. It marks the moment when enslaved people in Confederate states finally learned they were free. Many families visit public parks on days like these to reflect, celebrate, and connect with history.

The administration says these changes are aimed at encouraging more Americans to visit national parks and reducing the emphasis on DEI. But removing holidays tied to Black liberation suggests that our history is optional, something to be edited out when it’s politically convenient.

Marjorie Taylor Greene tries to rewrite her story

Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) are two U.S. Congresswomen known for a highly publicized, fiery clash during a May 2024 House Oversight Committee hearing. Credit: Getty Images

Did you all watch Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent “60 Minutes” interview?  It’s as if she has finally discovered her backbone; however, it’s too late. For years, she supported Donald Trump without hesitation. She insulted colleagues, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, with a confidence she now claims came from party pressure. But now that the political cost has shifted, Greene suddenly wants to be recognized for speaking up.

In the interview, she discussed Republican members who remain silent because they’re afraid to disagree with Trump. Hello??? How is that a surprise? We’ve watched many GOP leaders flock like sheep in a cattle when their shepherd is present, rather than stand for anything substantial these days. Greene was right there with them every step of the way. That tough talk she had for Jasmine? She didn’t keep that same boldness when it came to challenging Trump while it actually mattered.

This felt like an attempt to clean up her legacy. She’s on her way out of Congress, and now she wants to be seen as the truth-teller who dared to push back. I believe this is an attempt to find her way back into office one day, even though she says she’s not interested. You don’t get to stir chaos for and then expect applause for finding your voice at the eleventh hour.

Meanwhile, leaders like Jasmine Crockett are doing the steady work of holding people in power responsible. That’s the kind of courage our communities need. Not the performative outrage that shows up only after the damage is done. 

Trump’s FIFA peace prize is pure ego boosting

U.S. President Donald Trump places the FIFA Peace Prize around his neck after receiving it from FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Credit: Getty Images

The new FIFA Peace Prize given to President Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw would be funny if it weren’t such an apparent attempt to flatter him. This “award” didn’t exist until now, and anyone paying attention can see why it suddenly appeared. Trump has chased the Nobel Peace Prize for years, mainly because President Barack Obama earned one and Trump wants whatever Obama has touched. The man lives rent-free in his head. Can you blame him?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been close to Trump for some time. He had a prime seat at Trump’s inauguration. FIFA even opened an office in Trump Tower. So watching Infantino talk about how Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the Gaza ceasefire felt more like a favor between friends.

The timing felt suspicious because the administration announced faster visa processing for World Cup visitors. It’s hard to ignore how convenient this award becomes when billions of dollars and global travel are on the line.

A made-up award doesn’t erase the fact that real peace requires compassion, conflict resolution skills, and a deep commitment to seeking justice through non-violent means. Unfortunately, the president doesn’t possess any of these characteristics. 

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I cover Houston's education system as it relates to the Black community for the Defender as a Report for America corps member. I'm a multimedia journalist and have reported on social, cultural, lifestyle,...