President Donald Trump is contemplating a potential surprise for the holiday season: an executive order to establish two new federal holidaysChristmas Eve and the day following Christmas.
This consideration, as reported by an administration official, could result in a three-day Christmas break for federal employees, offering a respite after a challenging year. Such a move might also influence the private sector, potentially altering expectations regarding holiday leave.
As reported by Axios, the proposal is unique in that most federal holidays are typically single-day events, created through congressional action and presidential approval. However, this initiative would diverge from tradition. A draft of the order is already in existence, though it remains pending until President Trump provides his signature.
For a federal workforce that has faced significant challenges, including mass layoffs, furloughs, and the longest government shutdown in history, this gesture would serve as an early Christmas gift and a politically astute move.
This holiday proposal aligns with President Trump's broader strategy of introducing bold ideas to address public discontent with the economy. Other initiatives include the potential reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule III drug and the distribution of tariff rebate checks directly to Americans. The feasibility of a president unilaterally granting multiple days off via executive order remains uncertain. However, President Trump has consistently demonstrated a willingness to explore the boundaries of executive authority, which often holds sway unless contested by Congress or the judiciary.
Politically, opposing additional Christmas time off for federal employees who have endured the turmoil of government shutdowns would require a particularly unsympathetic stance.
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