"Christmas Break Extended: Trump Designates Both December 24 and 26 as Holidays"

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 amid high inflation and economic pressures, this move is interpreted as an effort to win public favor ahead of next year's midterm elections by implementing a measure that resonates strongly with the public.

Year-end and New Year scenery in New York. Photo by U.S. Travel Association

Federal Government Employees to Have December 24 and 26 Off

According to the executive order, employees of federal government departments and their affiliated agencies will be exempt from work duties on December 24 and 26. However, the heads of each department and agency may determine whether specific departments or employees are required to work during this period, depending on national security, defense, or other needs. As a result, a significant number of federal government employees who are not classified as essential 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 exempted federal employees from work on Christmas Eve in both 2019 and 2020 during his first term. Former President Barack Obama designated the day after Christmas as a holiday for federal employees in 2014.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by Yonhap News/AP

"Somewhat Unusual... Appears Aimed at Appeasing the Public"

However, U.S. online media outlet Axios pointed out that designating both December 24 and 26 as holidays is somewhat unusual. 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 moves as a "public sentiment management strategy" targeting the midterm elections in November next year. For voters sensitive to inflation and the cost of living, expanded holidays and direct cash support are likely to generate an immediate positive response. U.S. political analysts predict that policies with a strong public impact are likely to continue being announced for the time being.

Meanwhile, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq plan to maintain their previously scheduled opening hours. According to Bloomberg on December 19, trading will close early at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (3:00 a.m. on the 25th in Korea) on Wednesday, December 24. The markets will be closed on Thursday, December 25, in observance of Christmas. On Friday, December 26, the stock markets will operate as usual, opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 4:00 p.m.