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News Topical, Digital Desk : US President Donald Trump has signed a major executive order granting most federal employees paid leave on Christmas Eve and December 26th, the day after Christmas.
Trump's decision is being seen as a morale booster following the government shutdown that disrupted federal operations. Following Trump's holiday announcement, employees will receive a total of four days off.
Since Trump's holiday announcement, several reports have claimed it is related to federal holidays, although the White House has clarified that the holidays will only apply to this calendar year and there are no changes to the local federal holiday schedule.
What changed with Trump's holiday order?
Reports claim that under the new directive, federal government offices will be closed on December 24 and 26, in addition to the Christmas holiday already celebrated on December 25. This year, Christmas falls midweek, so this order will grant federal employees four consecutive days off. However, this rule will only apply for this year.
Trump has taken such a decision before.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first time such voluntary leave has been granted. During his first term, US President Trump approved such Christmas Eve holidays for federal employees in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Recently, former US President Joe Biden declared December 24th a holiday for federal employees in 2024.
How many holidays did federal employees get this year?
Federal employees will receive a total of 13 days off in 2025. This includes December 24 and December 16. These 13 holidays include New Year's Day, January 20, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and December 26.
What will be its impact on people in the private sector?
The order signed by Trump applies only to federal employees. Private sector employees are not automatically entitled to the holiday on December 24 or 26. Employers can choose to follow the federal schedule, but such decisions are governed by company policy, employment contracts, and local labor practices rather than presidential orders.
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