President Donald Trump’s notable acknowledgment of Juneteenth in his first four years as president, even before it became a federal holiday, took a different turn this year as he remained silent on the holiday that holds significance for Black Americans in marking the end of slavery. Despite previous commemorations, this year saw no public recognition from Trump, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicating a lack of plans for any official acknowledgment. This silence marked a departure from past years when Trump had shared statements highlighting the historical importance of Juneteenth.

The absence of Trump’s recognition also differed from earlier White House guidance that hinted at a Juneteenth proclamation. Instead, Trump opted to focus on other matters on his social media platform. Notably, in 2020, Trump faced criticism for initially scheduling a rally in Tulsa on June 19, a decision that was later postponed following backlash from Black leaders due to the historical significance of both Juneteenth and the Tulsa race massacre.

While Trump had expressed intentions to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday in his campaign promises to attract Black voters, the legislation to make it a federal holiday was eventually signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Biden has since recognized Juneteenth annually during his presidency, with his observances often featuring public events and performances. Biden’s recent celebration of Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas, underscores the continued importance of honoring this pivotal moment in American history.