President Donald Trump’s notable absence in acknowledging Juneteenth this year marks a departure from his past recognition of the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Despite honoring Juneteenth in his previous four years as president and even claiming to have made it famous, Trump remained silent on the holiday this time. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s response to inquiries about Trump’s commemoration of Juneteenth was vague, indicating no official recognition. This silence contrasts sharply with Trump’s earlier statements lauding the significance of Juneteenth and the contributions of African Americans to American history.

The article also highlights a prior controversy in 2020 when Trump scheduled a rally in Tulsa on Juneteenth, which drew criticism for insensitivity given the historical significance of the date and location. Trump’s subsequent claim of making Juneteenth “famous” was met with skepticism. Despite promising to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday as part of his campaign efforts to appeal to Black voters, Trump lost the election, leading to President Joe Biden signing the legislation that made Juneteenth an official federal holiday in 2021.

Biden’s administration has actively recognized Juneteenth, with the president issuing annual proclamations and hosting celebratory events, including concerts and speeches. This year, Biden marked Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas, underscoring the importance of the holiday and its historical significance in the fight for freedom and equality. Trump’s silence on Juneteenth highlights a stark contrast in presidential approaches to acknowledging and honoring the contributions of Black Americans and commemorating pivotal moments in American history.