12/21/2025
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 18, 2025, granting federal workers both Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas off. While Christmas Eve has previously been a holiday for federal employees, this marks the first time Dec. 26 has been added, providing an extended holiday break.
"Federal workers will get both days off," Trump said in a statement, adding that department heads can still require employees to work if necessary.
This move follows a turbulent period for federal workers, including the recent 43-day government shutdown. The extra days off are seen as a gesture to provide relief to federal employees, who were impacted by the shutdown last month.
Trump had previously expressed criticism of the growing number of national holidays, calling them costly. Despite this, the executive order is part of his broader effort to support federal workers during the holiday season.
The decision to add Dec. 26 as a holiday is unusual and could set a precedent for future federal holiday practices.