President Donald Trump sparked controversy by appearing to criticize Juneteenth celebrations, suggesting there are “too many non-working holidays in America” in a social media post. While not explicitly naming Juneteenth, the holiday commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, when the last Black slaves in the Confederacy were emancipated. Juneteenth gained national prominence in 2020 amid protests against racial injustices, leading to its official recognition as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Trump’s remarks raised questions about the costs associated with holidays, despite private companies not being obligated to close on federal holidays. On Juneteenth, most national banks, federal offices, and the Postal Service were closed, but major retailers like Walmart and Target remained open. When asked about Trump’s plans to acknowledge Juneteenth, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that it is a federal holiday but did not confirm any specific commemoration by the former president.

This is not the first time Trump’s actions regarding Juneteenth have been scrutinized. In 2020, he faced backlash for initially scheduling a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Juneteenth, a city marked by a tragic history of violence against Black Americans. Ultimately, the rally date was changed. Trump had previously recognized Juneteenth during his first term as president. The ongoing discourse surrounding Juneteenth reflects broader conversations about race, history, and the significance of commemorating important milestones in American history.