A Republican congresswoman has put forth a bill that aims to establish President Donald Trump’s birthday as a federal holiday.
Representative Claudia Tenney from New York has suggested that June 14, coinciding with both Trump’s birthday and Flag Day, be designated as this holiday.
Newsweek reached out to Tenney’s office through voicemail for additional details regarding the proposed legislation.
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Why It Matters
This initiative reflects Trump’s significant support within the Republican Party, which has grown stronger since his victory in the 2024 presidential election. His approval rating among Republican voters exceeds 80 percent, and he continues to garner backing from GOP members in Congress during his cabinet approval process.
What To Know
Tenney unveiled her legislative proposal on February 14, intending to amend Title 5 of the U.S. Code to designate Trump’s birthday and Flag Day as an official public holiday.
In a press statement, Tenney claimed that “no modern president has had a more significant impact on our nation” than Trump, asserting that his influence is “undeniable.”
She praised him as “the most impactful President in recent American history,” acknowledging his leadership through major domestic and international challenges.
Tenney compared the bill to existing federal holidays, stating, “Just as George Washington’s Birthday is established as a federal holiday, this bill will incorporate Trump’s Birthday into this category, acknowledging him as a founding figure of America’s Golden Age.”
Currently, the only other president whose birthday is officially celebrated this way is Washington, whose birthday was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1879, nearly a century after his death.
Moreover, Tenney highlighted that the dual recognition would “permanently cement President Trump’s contributions to American exceptionalism and the importance of the American Flag in law.”
Although Flag Day already pays tribute to the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, it is not classified as a federal holiday.
What People Are Saying
Vocal Trump opponent and independent journalist Ron Filipkowski criticized the legislation, commenting on X, formerly known as Twitter: “It’s a cult.”
In her statement, Claudia Tenney remarked: “From facilitating the historic Abraham Accords to leading the most extensive tax relief package in U.S. history, [Trump’s] influence is undeniable. Additionally, as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we should establish a new federal holiday to honor the American Flag and everything it symbolizes.”
What Happens Next
The bill is set to be presented to Congress this week.
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