Donald Trump faced criticism for failing to acknowledge Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US, until late Thursday night when he posted about there being “too many non-working holidays” in the country. Despite his previous statements boosting awareness of Juneteenth’s significance, Trump remained silent on the day important to Black Americans until his delayed post this year. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, indicated that there were no plans for Trump to officially mark the occasion.
On Juneteenth, as Trump stayed silent, Black community leaders and senior administration officials gathered at the White House to discuss enhancing coordination between leaders and government partners. This meeting included figures like US housing secretary Scott Turner and White House director of minority outreach Lynne Patton.
Juneteenth marks the delayed freedom announcement for enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, more than two years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Trump’s silence contradicted earlier indications that he would sign a Juneteenth proclamation. Instead, he criticized the number of holidays, claiming it costs the country billions to have businesses closed, despite most retailers operating on Juneteenth. Trump’s lack of acknowledgement on Juneteenth raised questions and garnered attention amid ongoing social and political discussions surrounding racial equality and historical significance.
