The President of the United States has issued a proclamation recognizing January 19, 2026, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. The statement highlights the contributions of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to American society and reaffirms national values rooted in liberty and justice.
The proclamation recalls Dr. King's leadership beginning in the 1950s and his role in affirming that all individuals have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It references his famous speech delivered on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., emphasizing that "the measure of a person is found not in the color of their skin but in the content of their character."
President Donald J. Trump stated: "More than 60 years after they were first proclaimed, those mighty words remain embedded in every American heart. Dr. King’s extraordinary resolve stands as an enduring testament to the unstoppable fire of freedom and, tragically, ultimately cost him his life. As President, I am steadfastly committed to ensuring that our country will always be guided by the same principles that Dr. King defended throughout his life and to upholding the timeless truth that our rights are not granted by government but endowed by Almighty God. To honor his legacy, last year, I proudly ordered the declassification of documents related to his assassination — because more than 50 years after his death, his family and the American people deserved the truth."
The President also called for recognition of those who continue to support law, order, liberty, and justice for all Americans: "Today, we honor the brave men and women who remain steadfast in their commitment to law, order, liberty, and justice for all. We renew our resolve to honor our heritage, reclaim our freedom, and recommit to the truth that America is, was, and forever will be a great Nation."
In closing his proclamation establishing January 19 as a federal holiday honoring Dr. King in 2026, President Trump encouraged Americans to participate in acts of service: "On this day, I encourage all Americans to recommit themselves to Dr. King’s dream by engaging in acts of service to others, to their community, and to our Nation."
