Juneteenth, marking end of slavery, goes uncelebrated at White House

Trump says in post on social media that he would get rid of some 'non-working holidays'

- Aishvarya Kavi

WASHINGTON - Juneteenth, the holiday that marks the end of slavery in the US, has been celebrated at the White House each June 19 since it was enshrined into law four years ago.

But on June 19 this year, it went unmarked by the President - except for a post on social media in which he said he would get rid of some "non-working holidays."

"Soon we'll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year," Mr Trump said in mangled syntax, not mentioning Juneteenth by name nor acknowledging that June 19 was a federal holiday.

"It must change if we are going to, Make America Great Again!"

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated to reporters earlier in the day that she was not aware of any plans by Mr Trump to sign a holiday proclamation.

In the past week alone, he had issued proclamations commemorating Father's Day, Flag Day and National Flag Week, and the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill - none of which is among the 11 federal holidays.

In response to a reporter's question about Juneteenth, Ms Leavitt acknowledged that June 19 was "a federal holiday", but noted that White House staff had shown up for work during a briefing that focused primarily on the matter of whether Mr Trump would order strikes on Iran.

Mr Trump, who has often used holidays as an occasion to advance his political causes and insult critics and opponents on social media, chose the occasion of Juneteenth instead to float the idea of reducing the number of federal holidays, claiming that they are costing businesses billions of dollars.

While most federal employees get those holidays off, private businesses have the choice to close or remain open.