President Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting federal employees two additional days off around the Christmas holiday, a move that contrasts with his recent criticisms of “non-working holidays.” The directive ensures that federal agencies will be closed on Christmas Eve and December 26, providing a three-day break for many workers encompassing Christmas Day.

This decision comes shortly after Trump publicly lamented the proliferation of federal holidays, specifically citing Juneteenth, a holiday established by his predecessor Joe Biden to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Trump expressed concern on social media that “too many non-working holidays” were costing the country billions and suggested that workers themselves might not desire such frequent closures.

Trump’s administration has previously recognized Christmas Eve as a federal holiday during his first term in 2019 and 2020. Former President Barack Obama also made December 26 a federal holiday in the past. However, establishing permanent federal holidays typically requires legislative action by Congress and subsequent presidential signature.

The recent executive order adds these two days to the existing federal holiday schedule, bringing the total number of federal holidays to thirteen for the current year. While the order grants these days off, it also includes a provision allowing agency heads to determine if certain operations or personnel must remain on duty.

This action occurs within the broader context of Trump’s focus on reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. His administration has implemented executive orders aimed at curtailing these programs, signaling a broader policy direction.

Separately, the National Park Service announced a new policy offering free admission to U.S. residents on several federal holidays next year, including Trump’s birthday. Notably, this free admission benefit will not extend to Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Juneteenth, aligning with the administration’s apparent prioritization of certain commemorative days over others.

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Keywords: Donald Trump, federal holidays, Christmas Eve, December 26, Juneteenth, executive order, federal employees, non-working holidays, National Park Service, DEI programs