Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jan 20: US President Donald Trump on Monday officially recognised January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day through a presidential proclamation, calling on Americans to “recommit themselves to Dr. King’s dream,” even as his delay in issuing the statement drew sharp criticism from civil rights groups earlier in the day.
In the proclamation, Trump said he remained committed to the principles championed by the civil rights leader. “As President, I am steadfastly committed to ensuring that our country will always be guided by the same principles that Dr. King defended throughout his life and to upholding the timeless truth that our rights are not granted by government but endowed by Almighty God,” he said.
Trump also highlighted that his administration had released a large set of records related to King’s 1968 assassination, a move that reportedly drew objections from some members of King’s family. Unlike proclamations issued by previous presidents, Trump’s message largely avoided references to racial inequality or systemic discrimination faced by Black Americans, instead emphasising themes of law, order, liberty and national pride.
“Today, we honor the brave men and women who remain steadfast in their commitment to law, order, liberty, and justice for all,” Trump said, adding that Americans must renew their resolve to honour the nation’s heritage and freedom.
The proclamation came late in the day after groups such as the NAACP criticised Trump for not initially recognising the federal holiday. NAACP National President Derrick Johnson said Trump had “zero interest in uniting this country or recognising its history and diversity,” and accused him of pursuing divisive policies while families struggle with healthcare and essential services.
Trump spent the day at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and later attended the National College Football Championship in Miami.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday after President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983, designating the third Monday of January in honour of the civil rights leader. Since then, all US presidents have issued proclamations marking the occasion, often accompanied by public appearances, service initiatives or memorial events.
During his first term, Trump also issued MLK Day proclamations and, in some years, visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. However, his second administration has drawn criticism for rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, removing MLK Day and Juneteenth from the National Park Service’s list of fee-free days, and pausing observances such as Black History Month in some federal departments.