A Republican congresswoman has introduced legislation that would make President Donald Trump’s birthday a federal holiday.
New York Representative Claudia Tenney has proposed designating June 14, which is both flag day and Trump’s birthday, as the holiday.
Newsweek contacted Tenney’s office via voicemail for more information on the legislation.
Donald Trump with a birthday cake during a campaign rally as he celebrates his 78th birthday on June 14, 2024, at West Palm Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
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Why It Matters
The move signifies Trump’s strong approval among the Republican Party, which has only increased since he won the 2024 presidential election. His approval among Republican voters is over 80 percent and he has received continued support from the GOP in Congress with his cabinet approval process.
What To Know
Tenney unveiled her bill on February 14, aiming to amend Title 5 of the U.S. Code to establish Trump’s birthday and flag day as a legal public holiday.
In a press release, Tenney asserted that “no modern president has been more pivotal for our country” than Trump, describing his impact as “undeniable.”
She lauded him as “the most consequential President in modern American history,” crediting his leadership during periods of significant international and domestic challenges.
Tenney drew parallels to existing federal holidays, stating, “Just as George Washington’s Birthday is codified as a federal holiday, this bill will add Trump’s Birthday to this list, recognizing him as the founder of America’s Golden Age.”
Washington is the only other president whose birthday is celebrated this way. It was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1879, almost a century after his death.
Tenney also emphasized that the dual designation would “ensure President Trump’s contributions to American greatness and the importance of the American Flag are forever enshrined into law.”
Flag day already commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, but it is not a federal holiday.
What People Are Saying
Vocal Trump critic and independent journalist Ron Filipkowski was critical of the legislation, saying of the bill on X, formerly Twitter: “It’s a cult.”
In her statement, Claudia Tenney said: “From brokering the historic Abraham Accords to championing the largest tax relief package in American history, [Trump’s] impact on the nation is undeniable. Additionally, as our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we should create a new federal holiday honoring the American Flag and all that it represents.”
What Happens Next
The bill is being introduced to Congress this week.
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