Trump Breaks Silence Tradition on Juneteenth

President Donald Trump, who had previously acknowledged and celebrated Juneteenth, remained silent on the holiday this year. Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, is celebrated on June 19, marking the day in 1865 when Union soldiers informed enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, of their freedom. This silence contrasted sharply with his previous acknowledgments and celebrations of the holiday during his first four years in office.

In previous years, Trump had issued statements honoring Juneteenth, highlighting the significance of the day and the contributions of African Americans to the nation. In 2017, he invoked the "soulful festivities and emotional rejoicing" that swept through Galveston when the news of freedom was delivered. In subsequent years, he continued to recognize the holiday, emphasizing the unbreakable spirit and countless contributions of African Americans to American greatness.

However, this year, Trump did not issue any statement or proclamation about Juneteenth. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that there would be no proclamation from Trump, stating that the administration was focused on working 24/7. Trump's silence on the issue was notable, especially given that he had previously planned to sign a Juneteenth proclamation. Instead, he shared statements about other topics on his social media site, including Iran, the TikTok app, and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

In the evening, Trump expressed his frustration about "too many non-working holidays," claiming that it was costing the country billions of dollars to keep businesses closed. This statement was surprising, given that most retailers remain open on Juneteenth, and federal workers get the day off because the government is closed. Trump's comments suggested a shift in his perspective on the holiday, which he had previously celebrated and promoted.

Trump's silence on Juneteenth this year was also notable given his previous efforts to woo Black voters with campaign promises, including establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. However, he lost the election, and it was President Joe Biden who signed the legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. Biden has since issued annual Juneteenth proclamations and observed the holiday with large concerts on the South Lawn, featuring performances by prominent artists.

Trump's silence on Juneteenth this year, coupled with his previous efforts to promote the holiday, raises questions about his evolving stance on the issue. While he had previously celebrated Juneteenth and recognized its significance, his silence this year suggests a shift in his perspective. This shift may be influenced by his frustration with the cost of holidays and his desire to promote a more business-friendly agenda. However, it is also possible that his silence was a strategic move, given his previous efforts to woo Black voters and his loss in the 2020 election.