Overview

• On June 19, Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. has “too many non-working holidays” costing “billions,” saying workers don’t want days off.
• Critics including Rep. Jasmine Crockett accused him of targeting Juneteenth and erasing Black history by questioning its value.
• President Biden marked Juneteenth at Galveston’s Reedy Chapel AME Church, condemning efforts to erase history and appearing to reference Trump’s remarks.
• Economists note that while federal holidays can cause short-term productivity dips, they often boost long-term worker morale and overall output.
• Trump’s stance contrasts with his 2020 support for making Juneteenth a federal holiday and his administration’s decision not to issue a presidential proclamation on June 19.