On Thursday, former President Donald Trump made headlines by criticizing the number of federal holidays in the United States. He took to his Truth Social account to express his views, particularly on Juneteenth, which celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. Trump argued that the growing number of non-working holidays is costing the nation “BILLIONS OF DOLLARS” and hurting economic success.
In his post, Trump claimed that both employers and employees are unhappy with the many holidays. He warned that if the trend continues, the U.S. might end up with a holiday for every workday of the year. His message was clear: change is needed to ensure the country can thrive economically. He ended his post with a familiar rallying cry, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 18, 2021, after President Joe Biden signed it into law. During the signing ceremony, Biden emphasized the importance of racial equity and addressed ongoing issues related to voting rights. He noted that true equality would not be achieved until it is realized in various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and the justice system.
The establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday received strong bipartisan support in Congress. The Senate passed the bill unanimously, and only 14 Republican representatives opposed it in the House. This marked a significant moment, as it was the first new national holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.
Trump’s comments on Juneteenth and non-working holidays have sparked discussions about the balance between honoring important historical events and maintaining economic productivity. As the nation reflects on its history and values, the debate over holidays and their impact on work and society continues.