Fact Check: Trump previously issued Juneteenth statements before it was a holiday.

Published June 20, 2025

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VERDICT

True

# Fact Check: "Trump previously issued Juneteenth statements before it was a holiday." ## What We Know Former President Donald Trump issued statement...

Fact Check: "Trump previously issued Juneteenth statements before it was a holiday."

What We Know

Former President Donald Trump issued statements honoring Juneteenth during his presidency, specifically in each of his first four years in office (2017-2020), prior to it being designated as a federal holiday in 2021. In these statements, he acknowledged the significance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. For instance, in 2017, he referred to the "soulful festivities and emotional rejoicing" associated with the day, and in subsequent years, he reiterated the importance of recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the nation (AP News, NY Times).

Analysis

The claim that Trump made statements about Juneteenth before it became a federal holiday is supported by multiple credible sources. According to the Associated Press, Trump honored Juneteenth each year from 2017 to 2020, highlighting its historical significance (AP News). The New York Times also corroborates this, stating that the decision to not commemorate the holiday in 2025 marked a significant change from his previous actions (NY Times).

Moreover, other outlets like NBC News and MSNBC confirm that Trump issued proclamations regarding Juneteenth during his first term, emphasizing his acknowledgment of the day prior to its federal recognition (NBC News, MSNBC).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. They provide consistent reporting on Trump's actions regarding Juneteenth, and their coverage includes direct quotes and context that enhance the credibility of the information.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump previously issued statements regarding Juneteenth before it became a federal holiday is True. Evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that he acknowledged the significance of Juneteenth during his presidency from 2017 to 2020, prior to its establishment as a federal holiday in 2021.

Sources

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