Trump issues MLK Day proclamation amid public criticism and controversy
January 20, 2026 • Google News World
President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day, following criticism of his administration’s handling of diversity and inclusion issues.
The proclamation was made public on January 3, as MLK Day falls on the third Monday of January each year. The day is intended to honor King’s legacy and promote unity and equality.
In a separate development, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will be defying the Trump administration’s request to remove MLK Day from the National Parks’ Fee Free Days list. Instead, Newsom has declared that all national parks in California will be free to visit on MLK Day.
However, some groups have expressed criticism of Trump’s decision to issue a proclamation for MLK Day. The move was seen as an attempt to co-opt King’s legacy and undermine the efforts of those who are working to address issues related to diversity and inclusion.
The National Park Service had previously announced that it would be removing MLK Day from its list of fee-free days, citing concerns about the potential impact on the agency’s budget. However, Newsom has refused to back down, stating that he believes it is essential to preserve King’s legacy and promote unity and equality.
In a related development, some outlets have expressed concern that Trump’s decision to issue a proclamation for MLK Day may be seen as an attempt to use the holiday to further his own agenda.
Source: Google News World