Fact Check: Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday with a stroke of his pen.

Fact Check: "Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday with a stroke of his pen."

What We Know

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which officially established June 19 as a federal holiday in the United States. This act commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, specifically marking the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free the last enslaved African Americans. Biden stated that making Juneteenth a federal holiday was one of his proudest actions as President, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this significant moment in American history (GovInfo, White House).

The legislation passed with bipartisan support, reflecting a growing recognition of the historical significance of Juneteenth. The holiday is now recognized as a federal holiday, making it the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established nearly four decades prior (AP News, NY Times).

Analysis

The claim that Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday "with a stroke of his pen" is accurate in the context that he signed the legislation into law, thereby making it official. However, it's important to note that this action followed a legislative process that included the proposal of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act (S.475), which was passed by both chambers of Congress before being signed by the President (Congress.gov, Reuters).

The sources reporting on this event, including major news outlets like the New York Times and NPR, provide reliable coverage of the event, detailing the significance of the holiday and the legislative process that led to its establishment (NY Times, NPR). These sources are credible and well-regarded in the field of journalism, ensuring that the information presented is accurate and trustworthy.

While the phrase "with a stroke of his pen" simplifies the process, it captures the essence of the President's role in formalizing the holiday. The signing of the bill was indeed a pivotal moment, representing a culmination of advocacy and legislative effort to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that President Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday with a stroke of his pen is accurate, as he signed the legislation that made it official. While the process involved legislative action, the signing marked a significant moment in recognizing the historical importance of Juneteenth in American history.

Fact Check: Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday with a stroke of his pen.