Fact Check: Trump Silent on Juneteenth After Honoring It for Four Years as President
What We Know
Former President Donald Trump honored Juneteenth during his presidency from 2017 to 2020, even before it was designated as a federal holiday in 2021. Each year, he issued statements recognizing the significance of the day, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. For instance, in 2017, he described the celebrations in Galveston, Texas, where the news of emancipation was delivered, as filled with "soulful festivities and emotional rejoicing" (source). In subsequent years, his statements continued to emphasize the contributions of African Americans and the importance of remembering the injustices of slavery (source).
However, in 2025, Trump did not make any public acknowledgment of Juneteenth, despite it being a federal holiday. His silence was notable, especially given his previous engagement with the holiday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump did not sign a proclamation for Juneteenth this year, nor did he make any public statements about the holiday (source). Instead, he focused on other topics, such as international affairs and economic issues, on his social media platform (source).
Analysis
The claim that Trump was silent on Juneteenth in 2025 after previously honoring it for four years is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported on Trump's lack of acknowledgment this year, contrasting it with his previous four years of recognition (source). This report is backed by direct quotes from White House officials, indicating that there was no planned recognition of the holiday by Trump this year (source).
The reliability of the sources is strong, particularly the Associated Press, which is known for its rigorous journalistic standards. The information provided is factual and corroborated by the historical context of Trump's previous statements regarding Juneteenth. Furthermore, the timeline of events from Trump's presidency, which includes his annual statements on Juneteenth, adds credibility to the claim of his previous engagement with the holiday (source).
In contrast, while some may argue that Trump's silence could be interpreted in various ways, the lack of any communication or acknowledgment on a significant day for many Americans is a clear deviation from his past behavior. The absence of a proclamation or statement this year, especially after the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, further underscores the claim's validity.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that Donald Trump was silent on Juneteenth in 2025 after honoring it during his presidency is accurate. His previous annual statements highlighted the importance of the holiday, making his silence in 2025 particularly noteworthy. The evidence from reputable sources confirms that he did not engage with the holiday this year, contrasting sharply with his past actions.
