President Trump did not issue a statement regarding Juneteenth, the federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, suggesting instead that there are too many holidays of this nature. In a social media post, he indicated plans to eliminate some “non-working holidays,” without specifically mentioning Juneteenth.
Since Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday four years ago, it has been celebrated at the White House each June 19. However, this year, the occasion went unacknowledged by the president apart from his social media comments. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that there were no plans for a holiday proclamation, despite Trump’s recent proclamations for other holidays, including Father’s Day and Flag Day.
When questioned about Juneteenth, Leavitt confirmed that it was a federal holiday but noted that White House staff were focused on other issues, including potential military actions against Iran. Trump, known for using holidays to promote his political agenda, chose to discuss reducing federal holidays, claiming they cost businesses billions of dollars.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, a significant moment occurring nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday, the youngest federal holiday established in 2021, cannot be revoked by Trump without congressional action.
Trump's decision not to commemorate Juneteenth this year contrasts sharply with his previous term, during which he issued statements recognizing the holiday annually before it became federally recognized. In past years, he expressed greetings to those celebrating and praised historical figures associated with the day.
His current term has seen efforts to reduce funding for diversity initiatives, which critics argue reflects a disregard for Black history. Representative Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump's administration for what he described as an intentional effort to undermine Black history and divide the nation.
The holiday also marked a significant low point in Trump's relationship with the N.A.A.C.P., which announced it would not invite him to its national convention, breaking a 116-year tradition. In contrast, President Biden, who established Juneteenth as a federal holiday, celebrated it with a concert at the White House last year, highlighting the renewed interest in the holiday following the protests of 2020.