While Trump’s decision may seem like a generous gesture, it comes amid ongoing criticism of the growing number of national holidays, which he has previously described as costly and inefficient. The president’s stance on holidays has stirred public debate, especially after his past criticisms of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Americans, which was designated as a federal holiday by his predecessor, President Joe Biden.
A Holiday Expansion Amid Criticism of “Non-Working Holidays”
On December 18, 2025, Trump signed the executive order officially designating Christmas Eve (December 24) and December 26 as holidays for federal workers. The move extends a break that was already in place for Christmas Day and aligns with similar actions taken by former presidents like Barack Obama. Under Trump’s directive, federal agencies will close for the additional days, though some essential services will remain operational. Agency heads retain the discretion to require certain employees to work if necessary.
The timing of Trump’s decision raises eyebrows, especially after his earlier critiques of Juneteenth. In June, Trump voiced dissatisfaction with the growing list of non-working holidays, calling it costly and burdensome to the economy. “It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The workers don’t want it either!” His statements at the time sparked debates on the practicality of expanding federal holidays, especially when they involve significant economic impacts.
Yet, despite his vocal disapproval of the increasing number of holidays, Trump’s administration has been consistent in granting additional breaks for federal workers during major holidays, including his past decisions to recognize Christmas Eve as a full holiday in 2019 and 2020.
Political and Public Reactions: Mixed Opinions on Trump’s Holiday Decisions
Trump’s decision to add December 26 as an additional day off for federal employees is likely to attract a range of reactions from both the public and the political sphere. Supporters argue that the move is a much-needed gesture for federal workers who have faced disruptions, including a historic 43-day government shutdown earlier this year. Many view the expanded break as a well-deserved reprieve after such challenges.
However, critics question the consistency of Trump’s position on holiday expansions. The president’s earlier remarks about too many “non-working holidays” have led to accusations of hypocrisy. His recent actions,especially granting additional holiday time for Christmas, may seem at odds with his previous criticisms. For some, it raises doubts about whether holiday designations should be a political tool or a genuine effort to provide workers with time off.
Beyond this, the larger conversation around national holidays remains unresolved. Although Trump can designate federal holidays via executive order, only Congress has the power to establish a permanent holiday by law. This difference highlights the ongoing complexity of how national observances are chosen and recognized.
Trump’s holiday-related decisions aren’t limited to federal workers alone. In a separate move, his administration also altered the National Park Service’s free admission policy. As of January 1, 2026, the NPS will offer free admission to U.S. residents on a new list of federal holidays, including Presidents Day and Memorial Day. However, both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth were excluded from this list, which reflects a broader trend in Trump’s approach to national observances.
The new policy highlights how decisions about federal holidays, and their associated benefits, can affect public access to national parks and other government services. For many, these shifts prompt questions about the values and priorities of the administration as it navigates holiday designations and their implications for federal workers and the American public.
