As President Donald Trump continues efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and reframe existing federal holidays, questions have surfaced about the future of Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday. Despite rising speculation, legal experts say that President Trump cannot unilaterally eliminate Juneteenth.
What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their emancipation—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger’s announcement marked the final enforcement of the proclamation, effectively ending slavery in the United States.
The name “Juneteenth” blends “June” and “nineteenth” and honors this momentous day in American history. It became a federal holiday in 2021, signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Could Trump Revoke Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday?
In short: No, not on his own. Jeremy Paul, a law professor at Northeastern University, says that abolishing a federal holiday requires an act of Congress.
"The president cannot simply eliminate a federal holiday by executive action," Paul explained. "Only Congress can repeal or amend a holiday once it’s codified into law."
As of now, there has been no legislation introduced in Congress to revoke Juneteenth.
Has Trump Said He Wants to Eliminate Juneteenth?
No, Trump has not explicitly stated any intention to end Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Public concern largely stems from his broader push to dismantle DEI programs nationwide and revise the framing of other holidays.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment regarding Trump’s stance on Juneteenth.
How Many States Recognize Juneteenth as a Permanent Holiday?
While Juneteenth is a federal holiday, states are not required to recognize it at the state level. According to the Pew Research Center, at least 30 states and the District of Columbia have declared Juneteenth a permanent state holiday.
Some states, such as Alaska and Vermont, are recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday for the first time this year. However, others—including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming—do not currently offer Juneteenth as a paid day off for state employees.
What’s the Difference Between Federal and State Holidays?
Federal holidays apply to federal institutions. For example, the U.S. Postal Service closes, and federal employees generally get the day off. However, states determine their own holiday calendars. If a state does not observe Juneteenth, local government offices—such as city halls or DMVs—may remain open on June 19, even though federal buildings are closed.
Has Trump Changed Other Holidays?
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Trump has made several symbolic moves regarding holidays:
- Victory Day (May 8): Declared to commemorate World War II, but not made a federal holiday.
- Victory Day (November 11): A renaming of Veterans Day, already a federal holiday.
- Trump has also pushed to re-emphasize Columbus Day amid a national shift toward recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While President Biden issued a proclamation in 2021 recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, that designation was not made into law and thus does not override Columbus Day.
Final Takeaway
Despite speculation, Juneteenth remains a federal holiday, and President Trump cannot revoke it without Congressional approval. While debates around its cultural and political significance may continue, any formal changes would require legislative action—something that has not occurred.
Source: usatoday.com
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