Interpreted as an Effort to Soothe Public Sentiment Ahead of the Election
U.S. Media: "A Series of Populist Policy Moves"
On December 18 (local time), President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating the two days surrounding Christmas (December 25) as federal holidays for government departments and agencies. With his approval ratings declining due to high inflation and economic pressures, this move is being interpreted as an effort to win public favor ahead of next year's midterm elections by implementing a policy that is highly perceptible to the public.
Federal Government Employees to Have December 24 and 26 Off
According to the executive order, employees of federal government departments and affiliated agencies will be exempt from work duties for two days, December 24 and 26. However, the heads of each department and agency retain the authority to determine whether specific divisions or employees need to work during this period, depending on national security, defense, or other essential needs. As a result, a significant number of federal employees who are not classified as essential personnel in areas such as security or law enforcement are expected to have three consecutive days off, from December 24 to 26, including the public holiday on the 25th.
In the past, U.S. presidents have also designated one day around Christmas as a holiday for federal employees. President Trump also exempted federal employees from work on Christmas Eve in 2019 and 2020 during his first term. Former President Barack Obama designated the day after Christmas as a federal holiday for government employees in 2014.
"Somewhat Unusual... Appears to Be an Effort to Appease the Public"
However, the U.S. online media outlet Axios pointed out that it is somewhat unusual to designate both December 24 and 26 as holidays. Axios interpreted this as part of a series of "populist" policy announcements aimed at addressing growing public dissatisfaction with the economic situation.
In fact, the previous night, President Trump announced in a national address that all U.S. military personnel would receive a year-end bonus of $1,776. Political circles view these actions by President Trump as part of a "public sentiment management strategy" targeting the midterm elections in November next year. Expanding holidays and providing cash benefits are expected to elicit an immediate positive response from voters sensitive to inflation and the cost of living. U.S. political analysts predict that further policy announcements with a high degree of public visibility are likely to continue for the time being.
Meanwhile, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq plan to maintain their previously scheduled trading hours. According to Bloomberg on December 19, Wednesday the 24th will see an early close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (3:00 a.m. on the 25th Korea Standard Time), and Thursday the 25th, Christmas Day, will be a public holiday with the markets closed. On Friday the 26th, the stock markets will open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. as usual.
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