President Donald Trump’s actions to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and propose changes to federal holidays have sparked concerns about the fate of Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. While there is worry about Trump’s stance on Juneteenth, legal experts like Jeremy Paul note that the president lacks the authority to unilaterally revoke the holiday, which was officially established by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Juneteenth signifies the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved African Americans, with June 19, 1865, marking the day when this news reached Galveston, Texas. The term “Juneteenth” is a blend of “June” and “nineteenth” in honor of the date.

Despite concerns, Trump has not explicitly stated his intention to abolish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Any attempt to do so would require congressional action and presidential approval, as Paul highlights. Currently, over 30 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a permanent state holiday, with some states like Alaska and Vermont observing it for the first time this year.

The distinctions between federal and state holidays can vary, affecting the operations of government institutions differently. Trump has recently introduced new holidays, such as Victory Day for World War I and Victory Day for World War II, while expressing interest in reinstating Columbus Day. Although the future of federal holidays remains a topic of debate, Juneteenth continues to hold significance as a federal holiday established by law, underscoring its enduring importance in American history and culture.