Overview

• On Juneteenth, Trump used Truth Social to claim “too many non-working holidays” cost the country billions and urged a reduction in federal days off.
• Critics ranging from social media users to Rep. Jasmine Crockett accused his timing as a slight against Black Americans and noted his reversal from championing Juneteenth during his 2020 campaign.
• President Biden participated in a Juneteenth service at Reedy Chapel AME Church in Galveston and emphasized that federal holidays reflect national values while condemning historical erasure.
• Economists cited in coverage warn that although holiday closures can temporarily lower output, paid time off improves worker morale, reduces turnover and boosts long-term productivity.
• The United States mandates no paid days off for federal holidays, unlike many OECD peers, leaving firms to choose whether to close and limiting guaranteed breaks for employees.