During his first four years in office, President Donald Trump recognized Juneteenth annually — even before it became a federal holiday — and once claimed credit for making the day “very famous.”
But this year, on Thursday’s Juneteenth holiday, the former president — typically vocal on public issues — remained notably silent about a day that holds deep significance for Black Americans as it commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
He made no statement — not in speeches, not in writing, and not through his social media platform.
When asked whether Trump planned to mark the occasion in any way, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, “I’m not tracking his signature on a proclamation today. I know this is a federal holiday. I want to thank all of you for showing up to work. We are certainly here. We’re working 24/7 right now.”
Pressed further on whether Trump might observe Juneteenth in a different form or at a later time, Leavitt replied, “I just answered that question for you.”
