On June 19, 2025, President Donald Trump remained notably silent on Juneteenth, a day that holds significant meaning for many Americans as it marks the end of slavery in the United States. This year, unlike in his previous terms, Trump did not make any public statements or proclamations about the holiday, which became a federal holiday just a few years ago.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers informed enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, about their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. In past years, Trump celebrated the occasion, often highlighting the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history. He even claimed to have made Juneteenth “very famous” during his 2020 campaign.
This year, however, there were no words from Trump on the holiday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked if Trump would recognize Juneteenth, stated that she was not aware of any proclamation being signed. She thanked reporters for their work and noted that the administration was busy, but did not provide further details about the president’s plans for the day.
In a striking contrast to his past acknowledgments, Trump did not hold any public events on Juneteenth. Instead, he focused his social media posts on other topics, such as Iran and economic issues, while avoiding any mention of the holiday. His lack of acknowledgment drew attention, especially given that he had previously engaged with the holiday in a more vocal manner.
Earlier in the week, Black community leaders and Trump administration officials met at the White House to discuss ways to improve collaboration between the community and government entities. However, the absence of any public recognition from the president on Juneteenth left many wondering about his stance on issues important to Black Americans.
Trump’s silence on Juneteenth this year was a departure from the guidance that suggested he would sign a proclamation. His past statements have highlighted the importance of Juneteenth, emphasizing the spirit and contributions of African Americans. In 2020, he even faced backlash for scheduling a campaign rally on the same date, which he later postponed due to public outcry.
In contrast to Trump’s silence, President Joe Biden has embraced Juneteenth since taking office, issuing proclamations and celebrating the holiday with events that reflect its historical significance. This year, Biden spent the day in Galveston, Texas, where he spoke at a historic church, reinforcing the importance of the day and its legacy.
As Juneteenth continues to grow in recognition and importance, the differing approaches of the two presidents highlight the varying ways in which leadership can engage with the history and culture of the nation.