BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today, we pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose unwavering dedication to justice has illuminated the path toward realizing the American ideal. Grounded in the principles articulated in our Declaration of Independence, we reaffirm our commitment to the cherished values of liberty, equal justice under the law, and the inherent dignity bestowed upon every individual by a higher power.
Starting in the 1950s, Dr. King spearheaded a movement that would ultimately reinforce our national belief that every individual—regardless of gender, race, or background—is endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights: the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. On August 28, 1963, he delivered a powerful message from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., uniting millions with a timeless truth: a person’s worth is determined not by the color of their skin but by the depth of their character.
Over six decades later, those profound words continue to resonate within the hearts of all Americans. Dr. King’s extraordinary courage serves as a lasting reminder of the relentless pursuit of freedom, a quest that tragically cost him his life. As President, I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that our nation adheres to the principles Dr. King championed throughout his life, affirming that our rights are not granted by the government but are endowed by Almighty God. To honor his legacy, I made the decision last year to declassify documents related to his assassination—because, more than 50 years after his passing, both his family and the American people deserve to know the truth.
Today, we also recognize the courageous individuals who steadfastly uphold the ideals of law, order, liberty, and justice for all. We renew our dedication to honoring our heritage, reclaiming our freedoms, and reaffirming the truth that America is, was, and will forever be a great nation.
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 declare January 19, 2026, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. On this day, I urge all Americans to recommit to Dr. King’s dream by engaging in acts of service to others, to their communities, and to our nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
