While Juneteenth was being celebrated across the country, former President Donald Trump chose the moment to speak out—though not to honor the holiday.
Instead, he used the day to criticize the number of federal holidays in the U.S., sparking a wave of backlash and questions about his silence on a day that holds deep meaning for Black Americans.
Trump Warns About “Too Many” Non-Working Holidays
Posting on Truth Social Thursday night, Trump didn’t mention Juneteenth directly.
Instead, he issued a fiery message about the costs of federal holidays.
“Too many non-working holidays in America,” he wrote, adding that closing businesses on these days is costing the country “$BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.”
He claimed that workers aren’t even in favor of these breaks and warned that if nothing changes, the U.S. might soon have “a holiday for every working day of the year.”
His message ended with a rallying cry to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
No Mention of Juneteenth—Despite Past Acknowledgment
Trump’s post stood in contrast to his previous statements about Juneteenth.
During his presidency, he acknowledged the significance of June 19—the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—multiple times.
He even claimed to have made Juneteenth “very famous” in 2020 after moving a controversial rally that had originally been scheduled on the holiday.
Between 2017 and 2020, Trump issued yearly statements about Juneteenth, recognizing both the pain of slavery and the joy of emancipation.
In 2018, he honored “the unbreakable spirit and countless contributions of generations of African Americans.”
His 2020 message described June as a time of remembrance and triumph, acknowledging the injustices of slavery and celebrating freedom.
Backlash Over Tulsa Rally and Tone-Deaf Remarks
One of the most controversial moments tied to Trump and Juneteenth came in 2020 when he announced a campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma—on June 19.
Critics called it deeply offensive, considering Tulsa’s painful history: in 1921, the city’s Black Wall Street district was destroyed by a white mob, and hundreds of Black residents were killed.
Under pressure, Trump rescheduled the event and tried to reframe the situation, claiming credit for raising awareness of Juneteenth.
“I made it famous,” he said. “Very few people had heard of it.”
But his remarks rang hollow to many, especially given that Black communities had long been honoring Juneteenth—well before it became a federal holiday in 2021.
Biden Celebrates Juneteenth with Proclamations and Performances
President Joe Biden, who signed legislation making Juneteenth a national holiday, has continued to commemorate the occasion each year in office.
His administration has hosted large celebrations on the White House South Lawn featuring major Black artists like Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight.
His most recent Juneteenth event in 2024 included Vice President Kamala Harris joining gospel singer Kirk Franklin onstage in a joyful celebration.
A Shift in Tone and Policy on Racial Equity
Trump’s latest Juneteenth silence coincides with broader moves by his campaign to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the federal government.
He’s labeled these initiatives “illegal and immoral discrimination programs,” a sharp contrast from his earlier campaign efforts in 2020 to court Black voters—including promises to support Juneteenth as a national holiday.
A Holiday That Lives Beyond Politics
Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations by Black Americans as a day of reflection, resilience, and joy.
It’s not just about history—it’s about freedom delayed but never denied.
While political leaders may argue over how it’s observed, the spirit of the holiday continues to thrive in communities across the country, regardless of who’s in the White House.