Kimmel, Colbert Mock Trump ‘Too Many Non-Working Holidays’ Post

President Trump faced criticism for not publicly acknowledging or hosting any events to commemorate Juneteenth, the federal holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States. While he did make a post on social media alluding to Juneteenth, stating that there are “Too many non-working holidays in America” and calling for a change to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” his lack of direct recognition of the holiday drew ire from late-night TV hosts.

Jimmy Kimmel on his ABC show pointed out Trump’s reluctance to acknowledge Juneteenth, joking that his base might be upset at the idea of celebrating the end of slavery. Kimmel also mocked Trump’s comment about too many holidays, highlighting the president’s frequent golf outings and self-congratulatory events. Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show” echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of celebrating freedom on Juneteenth and criticizing Trump’s actions to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs in federal agencies.

Despite Trump’s lack of public acknowledgment of Juneteenth, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021, establishing the holiday as a federal observance. The significance of Juneteenth lies in its commemoration of June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln.

In a White House press briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump did not issue a proclamation for Juneteenth, emphasizing that the administration was focused on working around the clock. While Trump’s stance on Juneteenth may be controversial, the holiday continues to be celebrated as a day of joy and freedom by many Americans.