Trump Issues M.L.K. Day Proclamation After Criticism [View all]

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https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/us/politics/trump-mlk-day-proclamation.html

Trump Issues M.L.K. Day Proclamation After Criticism
Civil rights groups had criticized President Trump for failing to issue a proclamation honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and not attending commemorative events.

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Mr. Trump did not attend M.L.K. Day events on Monday, spending the holiday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In the proclamation, Mr. Trump said he had honored Dr. King last year by declassifying documents related to his assassination. Several noted historians said at the time, however, that there was little of note in these documents and most of Dr. King’s family had opposed their release.

“Dr. King’s extraordinary resolve stands as an enduring testament to the unstoppable fire of freedom and, tragically, ultimately cost him his life,” Mr. Trump said in the proclamation.

“Today, we honor the brave men and women who remain steadfast in their commitment to law, order, liberty, and justice for all. We renew our resolve to honor our heritage, reclaim our freedom, and recommit to the truth that America is, was, and forever will be a great Nation,” the proclamation said.

The lack of a proclamation for most of Monday was criticized by civil rights groups, including the N.A.A.C.P.