Trump proclaims Martin Luther King Jr. Day after criticism from civil rights groups

On Jan. 19, 2026, President Trump issued a proclamation recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday evening after civil rights activists criticized him for not earlier honoring Dr. King’s legacy or attending holiday commemorations. Presidents have often issued statements about Dr.

King in the days before the federal holiday; Mr. Trump’s 2021 proclamation was issued on Jan. 15, and President Joe Biden issued a proclamation on Jan. 17 last year. The United States observes the holiday on the third Monday of January. The federal holiday was created in 1983 by legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan, and in 1994 President Bill Clinton signed legislation designating it as a day of service.

Mr. Trump did not attend M.L.K. Day events on Monday, spending part of the holiday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and attending the college football championship in Miami that night. In the proclamation, he said he had honored Dr. King last year by declassifying documents related to his assassination; several noted historians said at the time that there was little of note in those documents and that most of Dr.

King’s family had opposed their release. The proclamation also said, in part, "Dr. King’s extraordinary resolve stands as an enduring testament to the unstoppable fire of freedom and, tragically, ultimately cost him his life," and: "Today, we honor the brave men and women who remain steadfast in their commitment to law, order, liberty, and justice for all.

Key Topics

Politics, Donald Trump, Mlk Day, Martin Luther King, Naacp, Assassination Documents