By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This Captive Nations Week, I extend my unwavering support to all individuals living under oppressive regimes. I reaffirm my dedication to ushering in a new era of peace—one where freedom is revered, sovereignty is honored, and all nations can thrive without the shackles of tyranny or oppression.
In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower inaugurated Captive Nations Week in response to the burgeoning threat of communism, underscoring America’s commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights of free speech, religious liberty, and self-governance. As your President, I strive to continue this vital work, particularly in a world where authoritarian regimes frequently stifle dissent and persecute citizens for their beliefs.
The Religious Liberty Commission, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of State’s Office of International Religious Freedom collaborate diligently to enhance and expand America’s efforts to uphold religious freedom worldwide. Within our own borders, we steadfastly maintain the belief that our rights are granted by a higher power, not by the government. We hold that legitimate authority stems from the consent of the governed, with the freedom to practice one’s religion forming the bedrock of a truly free society.
Guided by these principles, my Administration tirelessly seeks to create a more stable and peaceful global landscape. We remain resolutely focused on engaging with both allies and adversaries, working towards effective diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the establishment of enduring peace everywhere.
America stands in solidarity with all those who resist tyranny, uphold their faith, and champion the God-given rights inherent to every human being. We will persist in leading with strength, speaking truth to power, and advancing the noble causes of peace, liberty, and human dignity across the globe.
By a Joint Resolution passed on July 17, 1959 (73 Stat. 212), Congress has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the third week of July as “Captive Nations Week.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 20 through July 26, 2025, as Captive Nations Week. I urge all Americans to reaffirm our commitment to supporting those striving for liberty, justice, and the rule of law through appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
