Fact Check: Trump claims non-working holidays cost America billions.

Fact Check: Trump Claims Non-Working Holidays Cost America Billions

What We Know

On June 19, 2025, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, "Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed" (source-1). This statement was made in the context of Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, which was established under President Joe Biden in 2021. Trump expressed concern that the increasing number of federal holidays could lead to a situation where "we’ll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year" (source-3).

Research on the economic impact of federal holidays indicates that while there may be short-term productivity losses due to days off, the long-term effects of paid time off can enhance worker morale and productivity (source-4). Additionally, many businesses do not shut down entirely on federal holidays; sectors like retail and hospitality often see increased consumer spending during these times (source-6).

Analysis

Trump's claim that non-working holidays cost America billions is a simplification of a more complex issue. While it is true that federal holidays can lead to temporary productivity losses, particularly in sectors like manufacturing (source-3), the assertion that these holidays are universally detrimental to the economy lacks nuance.

Studies indicate that holidays can actually boost consumer spending, which benefits various sectors of the economy (source-4). For instance, a 2018 study found that bank holidays in the UK resulted in increased profits for small shops (source-6). Furthermore, research suggests that the long-term benefits of paid time off, including improved worker morale and productivity, can outweigh the short-term losses associated with holidays (source-4).

The sources of Trump's claims are primarily his own statements and interpretations of economic studies, which may not fully represent the broader economic landscape. The reliability of these claims is further complicated by the political context in which they were made, as they coincide with ongoing debates about the significance of Juneteenth and federal holidays in general.

Conclusion

The claim that non-working holidays cost America billions is Partially True. While there are valid concerns regarding the short-term economic impacts of federal holidays, the broader context reveals that these holidays can also stimulate consumer spending and contribute positively to worker morale and productivity in the long run. Therefore, while Trump's assertion has some basis in reality, it oversimplifies a complex issue and does not account for the full economic implications of federal holidays.

Fact Check: Trump claims non-working holidays cost America billions.