President Trump voiced frustration Thursday over the rising number of federal holidays, arguing they’re becoming a costly burden for the country. His remarks came as the nation observed Juneteenth, the newest addition to the U.S. holiday calendar.
In a post on Truth Social, the president said the growing list of non-working holidays is hurting the economy. “Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed,” Trump wrote.
He went on to claim that workers themselves are not in favor of the additional days off, saying, “The workers don’t want it either.”
Under current rules, federal employees typically receive paid time off on national holidays. Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans, was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 under President Biden.
Trump warned that if the trend continues, the number of holidays could grow out of control. “Soon we’ll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year,” he said. “It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”