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Trump Used Juneteenth to Denounce ‘Nonworking Holidays.’ Some Political Observers Say it Wasn’t a Coincidence

June 25, 2025

President Trump's recent statement on Juneteenth, claiming there are "too many nonworking holidays" costing "billions of dollars," has drawn criticism from social justice activists who view it as part of a broader pattern of erasing minority history. Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has worked to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across government, corporations, and college campuses, while also removing minority officials from high positions and diminishing cultural recognitions. Despite Trump's previous support for making Juneteenth a federal holiday during his 2020 campaign, experts note that his current stance cannot legally change its status, which was established in 2021 under President Biden following Congressional approval with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Who is affected

  • Black Americans who celebrate Juneteenth as a significant cultural holiday
  • Federal employees who receive the day off as a federal holiday
  • Social justice activists and civil rights groups concerned about representation
  • Organizations that scaled back or canceled Juneteenth events due to Trump's DEI attacks
  • High-ranking minorities dismissed from military positions
  • Students and employees impacted by elimination of DEI programs in government, corporations, and college campuses

What action is being taken

  • The Trump administration is actively seeking to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices across federal government, corporate America, and college campuses
  • The administration is dismissing high-ranking minorities from military positions
  • The administration is removing government webpages that celebrate historic achievements of people of color
  • The administration is accusing the National Museum of African American History and Culture of being influenced by "divisive, race-centered ideology"
  • Some groups are scaling back or canceling Juneteenth events due to Trump's attacks on DEI

Why it matters

  • Juneteenth represents a significant historical milestone commemorating the end of slavery in the United States
  • Federal holiday status for Juneteenth, established in 2021, gave it fresh national significance and represents America's values
  • Civil rights activists like Opal Lee spent years lobbying for the holiday to receive national recognition
  • Trump's statements are perceived by social justice advocates as creating more division rather than unity
  • The holiday's recognition came after the racial reckoning sparked by George Floyd's murder
  • Despite Trump's comments, constitutional law experts confirm he lacks legal authority to cancel the federal holiday

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint