Biden Celebrates Juneteenth in Texas, Criticizes Trump's Holiday Remarks

Former President Joe Biden marked Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas, shortly after former President Donald Trump expressed the opinion that the U.S. has an excessive number of holidays. Biden's appearance took place at a Juneteenth celebration held within Galveston’s Reedy Chapel on Thursday evening. This event occurred a month after Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis.

Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday by Biden in 2021, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday is observed on June 19th, the date in 1865 when the enforcement of the end of slavery reached Texas, more than two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Biden described Juneteenth as a day of liberation, remembrance, and celebration.

Trump, in contrast, did not acknowledge the holiday. Instead, he posted on Truth Social, complaining about the number of non-working holidays in the U.S., citing the financial costs associated with business closures and suggesting that workers also disapprove. He concluded by stating that changes were needed to "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

During his speech, Biden criticized those who question the significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. He emphasized the importance of remembering the history of slavery, especially in light of efforts to erase it. Biden then seemed to allude to Trump, drawing cheers and laughter from the audience. He also mentioned his role in renaming military camps that were previously named after Confederate leaders.

The Trump administration recently reversed the renaming of several military bases that were changed under Biden. Trump announced the restoration of the original names of bases such as Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, and Fort Robert E. Lee, among others.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also criticized Republicans on Juneteenth, accusing them of attempting to reverse progress and divide the country. He cited examples such as banning books about Black history, dismantling diversity programs, and challenging citizenship protections.