What Holidays is Trump Taking Away?
The election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in 2016 brought about significant changes in the political landscape, and with these changes came a wave of debate and controversy. One such topic that has sparked considerable discussion is the question of what holidays Trump is taking away. While it is important to note that the term “taking away” can be misleading, as the President does not have the power to unilaterally eliminate holidays, it is a topic that deserves closer examination. This article aims to explore the various holidays that have been impacted by Trump’s presidency and the implications of these changes.
The most notable holiday that has been affected by Trump’s presidency is Columbus Day. In 2017, Trump announced that he would no longer celebrate Columbus Day, instead choosing to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This decision was met with both praise and criticism, with some arguing that it was a long-overdue acknowledgment of the negative impact of Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, while others viewed it as a political move to appease a segment of the population.
Another holiday that has seen changes under Trump’s administration is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In 2017, Trump signed a bill that changed the federal holiday from the third Monday in January to the second Monday in January, which some argue is a move to shorten the holiday and reduce the cost of federal employee leave. Critics of this change claim that it diminishes the significance of the holiday and undermines the memory of Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement.
In addition to these specific holidays, there has been a broader discussion about the role of federal holidays in the Trump era. With the rise of social media and the increasing polarization of American politics, some argue that the celebration of certain holidays has become more about political symbolism than about honoring the events and figures they represent. This has led to a debate about whether the federal government should continue to recognize certain holidays at all.
One holiday that has not been directly affected by Trump’s presidency but has been a point of contention is Memorial Day. The holiday, which honors those who have died while serving in the military, has been criticized by some for being too closely associated with Veterans Day and for not being observed with the proper solemnity. Trump himself has been accused of not fully respecting the holiday’s purpose, with reports of him attending events on Memorial Day weekend that some see as inappropriate.
In conclusion, while it is not accurate to say that President Trump has taken away holidays, his presidency has certainly brought about changes in how certain holidays are celebrated and perceived. From the shift in focus from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the debate over the length of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Trump era has prompted a reevaluation of the role of federal holidays in American society. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, it is clear that the debate over what holidays are celebrated and how they are observed will remain a significant part of the ongoing conversation about American identity and values.
