(AURN News) — As the country observed Juneteenth this year, President Donald Trump used the day to criticize the growing number of federal holidays — without mentioning Juneteenth by name.
“Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed. The workers don’t want it either! Soon we’ll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year. It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump posted on Truth Social on June 19 — the date Juneteenth is recognized nationwide.
The statement drew sharp attention, especially given the absence of any formal Juneteenth observance from the White House. When asked about it during a press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt avoided a direct response.
“I know this is a federal holiday. I want to thank all of you for showing up to work. We are certainly here — we’re working 24/7 right now,” Leavitt told reporters.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and became a federal holiday in 2021. Last year, then-President Joe Biden marked the occasion with a South Lawn celebration, calling Black history “American history.”
But under Trump’s second term, the tone around Juneteenth has shifted. The president’s post, though not explicitly naming the holiday, was widely interpreted as a rebuke of it — signaling a more hostile approach to its recognition.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
