Federal Recognition of Holidays: The Case of Easter

When it comes to federal holidays in the United States, the topic often sparks controversy and debate. One such contentious point is the potential for federal recognition of holidays to be withdrawn or reinstated. This article delves into the specific case of Easter, examining whether it can be officially recognized as a federal holiday and the implications for such a move. Additionally, we explore Trump's stance on this issue, particularly in the context of his potential return to the presidency in the 2024 election.

Understanding the Nature of Federal Holidays

The creation and withdrawal of federal holidays in the United States is a complex process that involves several branches of government. Unlike in some countries, federal holidays in the U.S. are not automatically recognized but rather are established by Congress through legislation. This means that any changes to these holidays, including the reinstatement of previously unrecognized ones, would also require a similar legislative process.

Easter as a Federal Holiday: A Myth?

It is a common misconception that Easter is a federal holiday. Easter, which always falls on a Sunday, is a religious and cultural holiday widely observed in the United States. However, it has never been officially recognized as such by Congress. The lack of federal recognition for Easter means that federal employees do not receive a paid holiday on Easter Monday (if applicable).

The Role of the President and Congress

The President of the United States can designate commemorative days of recognition, but these do not become federal holidays. For a holiday to become a federal holiday, it must be established by Congress. If a president were to propose the recognition of Easter as a federal holiday, it would need to pass through Congress before becoming law.

Interestingly, in the unlikely event that Donald Trump were to become President again in the 2024 election, he might consider asking Congress to recognize Easter as a federal holiday. However, as previously mentioned, the practical implications of such a move are minimal. The main difference would be in providing higher pay for federal employees working on that day, if they were required to do so.

Trump has not made any concrete proposals regarding the recognition of Easter as a federal holiday. Instead, his focus seems to be on other commemorative days, such as making every Wednesday a holiday and renaming it "Trump Day." These proposals, although more symbolic, would require no change in federal law regarding employee compensation.

Controversies and Activism

The topic of federal holidays can also be contentious, as seen in recent debates over Pride Month. Some argue that Pride Month has been misused to promote controversial and sometimes harmful practices, particularly those involving children. Such concerns have led to calls for the abolishment of Pride Month. However, federal recognition of such holidays is a different issue altogether, as it is a matter of legislative action rather than a moral or ethical stance.

The uniqueness of Federal holidays in the United States, where only some religious and cultural holidays are recognized, ensures that any changes to the holiday calendar are subject to strict legal and political processes. The power to recognize holidays lies with Congress, not the President, which underscores the importance of understanding the legislative process behind these decisions.

Conclusion

While the idea of Easter being a federal holiday may have gained traction among some individuals, particularly during election cycles, the reality remains that the federal government has never recognized it as such. Federal holidays in the United States are established and repealed through legislation, not by executive order. The potential for changes in federal holidays, including the reinstatement of those previously unrecognized, is a process that involves significant political and legislative hurdles.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, understanding the specific roles of the President and Congress in creating and recognizing federal holidays is crucial. Whether it be the continued recognition of Easter or the potential for changes in other holidays, these discussions are integral to the ongoing debate on what holidays are officially recognized in the United States.