Since returning to office, Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to project executive power by tinkering with the way Americans mark time. A president can’t single-handedly create or eliminate federal holidays—but you wouldn’t necessarily guess that from Trump’s Truth Social posts announcing new holidays, or from his executive order directing the federal government to close on Christmas Eve and December 26 (for this year only). Beyond those headline moves, the second Trump administration has also made quieter shifts that downplay certain observances—like Martin Luther King Jr. Day—while nudging supporters to treat Trump’s birthday as a day worth honoring.
In a political climate that’s grown even more overtly MAGA-coded, it’s easy to lose track of what’s real policy and what’s performance: Is Juneteenth still a federal holiday? (Yes.) Are most private-sector workers suddenly getting extra paid days off? (Probably not.) And what’s the “approved” vibe for the December holidays? (Expect a heavy emphasis on “Merry Christmas!”—and a preference for holiday decor that leans more gothic than glittery.)
Below is a running guide to Trump-related holiday changes, and we’ll keep it updated as new announcements and directives roll out.
