Big Tech Staff Rally Bosses Against Trump’s ICE Raids

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 21, 2026

Big Tech Staff Rally Bosses Against Trump’s ICE Raids

The tech world's support of President Donal Trump has vastly changed between his first and second terms in office.

Employees working at Silicon Valley’s most lucrative tech companies are standing up for change, rallying for their bosses to put pressure on President Donald Trump to withdraw federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from major U.S. cities, The Washington Post reports.

In a letter with more than 200 signatures, workers at major tech conglomerates such as Google, Amazon, and TikTok highlighted that their executives and leaders once stopped Trump from deploying federal officers to San Francisco in October 2025. Now they want their CEOs to do the same on behalf of the innocent people of Minneapolis, as ICE raids have resulted in violence and protests.

“We are tech industry professionals in the United States. We all witnessed ICE brutally kill a U.S. citizen on the streets of Minneapolis. Then, the Trump administration brazenly lied about what happened,” the letter reads, according to KRON 4.

“We didn’t get here overnight. For months now, Trump has sent federal agents to our cities to criminalize us, our neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family members. From Minneapolis to Los Angeles to Chicago, we’ve seen armed and masked thugs bring reckless violence, kidnapping, terror, and cruelty with no end in sight.”

The letter, signed by employees at Spotify, Uber, and YouTube, has one request of their employers: “Pick up the phone again” to call “the White House and demand that ICE leave our cities.”

Much has changed in the tech world in regards to standing—or not—with Trump. A majority of companies opposed his administration’s policies during his first term, but not this time.

Leaders have been silent on issues like immigration, an unrepresentative workforce, and diversity initiatives, which were heavily supported following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. Amazon, Apple and other tech giants once projected legal action against the first Trump administration over the controversial Muslim travel ban.

Some of those same leaders were present for Trump’s 2025 inauguration, standing behind the 47th president and Vice President JD Vance, who seemingly got his start in politics with support from venture capitalist Peter Thiel and entrepreneur David Sacks.

Employees have also dialed back their objections. “A lot of my former colleagues have told me privately that they are really outraged by what is happening, but that they are too afraid that they will lose their jobs if they speak out,” Pete Warden, a veteran Google and Apple employee and leader of Moonshine AI start-up who signed the letter, said.

The signees also want CEOs to cancel contracts with ICE and speak out against “ICE’s violence.” Anne Diemer, a HR consultant from San Francisco who curated the letter, said there is more power in numbers and that tech world has done this before.

“There is a stereotype that tech is with Trump on this, and there are a lot of tech companies that have contracts with ICE, and I wanted to show that it isn’t all of us,” Diemer said. “We have a lot of power as a collective.”

Other experts feel bad politics equals the chance for a company to fail. America saw what happened after megaretailer Target withdrew its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

“There’s sort of a bigger tent of capitalists who care about the rule of law [and] avoiding the drift into authoritarianism,” Lisa Conn, who started a work collaboration start-up after fighting extremism on Facebook while working for Meta.

“When people are being killed on the streets, business goes to hell, and it takes decades to recover.”

HOA,, fLorida, Hiilsborough County, Atlanta, Georgia,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 21, 2026

Georgia Combats HOA Abuse Through New Legislation, ‘Neighbors Get Back To Being Neighbors’

Georgia lawmakers are moving forward with new legislation aimed at shielding homeowners from what critics say are overly aggressive HOA practices.

Several Georgia Senate bills are under consideration that seek to rein in what homeowners say are abusive or overly aggressive homeowner associations hungry to forfeit their properties.

Georgia’s newly introduced SB 406, known as the Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights Act, follows years of homeowner complaints statewide, including reports of rising fines, increasing legal costs, and poor communication from HOA boards and property management companies, 11 Alive reports. Sen. Matt Brass, a co-sponsor of the legislation, says the measure aims to ease tensions and introduce impartial oversight into disputes that frequently become heated and personal.

“I mean, it’s just literal hate,” Brass said. “And if we can kind of help mediate that and help solve some of these issues with a level head of someone that’s not financially invested in their property or in their community … take it out of there, have somebody non-biased to look at it, and hopefully we can solve it. And neighbors get back to being neighbors.”

Senate Bill 406 would strengthen HOA enforcement rules, create a new oversight avenue through the Secretary of State, and modify foreclosure procedures. The bill would raise the minimum amount of debt required before an HOA can foreclose from $2,000 to $4,000, a change aimed at preventing situations in which homeowners face spiraling fines, mounting legal fees, and poor communication from their association or property management company.

Senior Investigator Rebecca Lindstrom highlighted a case in which an HOA foreclosed on a woman’s home and later bought it at auction for just $3.24, even though the homeowner had already paid thousands toward her balance. Under SB 406, that type of foreclosure would be prohibited. The bill would also ban HOAs, their management companies, or anyone connected to them from purchasing homes at foreclosure sales, a practice that has sparked widespread backlash.

Under SB 406, all Georgia HOAs would, for the first time, be required to register annually with the Secretary of State, pay a $100 fee, and submit basic financial information. Associations that fail to register would lose the ability to collect dues, levy fines, place liens, or pursue foreclosures.

The fee would fund a new state oversight board with authority to investigate complaints, refer potential crimes to law enforcement, and mediate disputes between homeowners and HOAs. The legislation also outlines explicit homeowner rights, including access to records, meeting notifications, voting protections, and clearer standards for HOA board conduct.

“This bill doesn’t take anything away from associations, doesn’t take any power away from them,” Brass said. “It’s just saying, you know, you have to follow your bylaws, and if you don’t, there’s going to be, there’s a process to where someone can come in–– that’s not necessarily a court — and can look at it and tell you if you’re following your bylaws or not.”

SB 406 builds on a version of the legislation Brass introduced during a Senate study committee over the break. He anticipates revisions as the bill advances through the committee process, but says an accountability measure was necessary because none currently exists.

7 Viable Tips Black Consumers Can Use To Enrich Their Financial Wellness In 2026

by Jeffrey McKinney

January 21, 2026

7 Viable Tips Black Consumers Can Use To Enrich Their Financial Wellness In 2026

A good financial wellness plan includes balancing long-term money goals with joy and spontaneity.

January is when people often enthusiastically set goals to save more money, reduce spending, and consider new plans to elevate their finances and secure their financial wellness.

Pertaining to Black consumers, it is suggested that they use a strategy that extends beyond a one-time resolution that may be fleeting. Instead, another option is examining more viable ways to better control your money throughout the year. It was disclosed a good financial wellness plan includes balancing long-term money goals with joy and spontaneity.

That approach might be fitting as 93% of respondents overall intend to transform how they manage money this year, according to Intuit’s Financial Wellness survey. The analysis, broken down for BLACK ENTERPRISE, reveals that Black adults are also rethinking how they handle cash.

The survey unmasked that living costs remain a major financial stressor for Black people, with 44% citing inflation and daily expenses continuing to squeeze household budgets.

However, 37% refuse to quit dining out. They are among groups wary to do that as “shared experiences remain central to connection and well-being.”

The survey indicates that 32% of Blacks—like most people—are entering 2026 with financial regrets from last year. That is supposedly driving a wish for those individuals to use methods that are regarded as realistic, flexible, and sustainable.

Intuit’s Financial Advocate, Giovanna “Gigi” Gonzalez, shared via email that financial wellness is being the “active architect of your money.” She says that includes balancing current priorities such as a debt repayment plan and long-term goals like buying a home and investing for retirement.

“Financial wellness is critical to our overall well-being because money affects every aspect of our life, including where we live, what type of groceries we can buy, and what healthcare we have access to.”

She offered helpful tips that can be applied to achieve financial wellness this year:

Practice value-based spending: Get clear on what values are important to you and what spending categories support those values. The data showed 43 % of Black respondents plan to practice more mindful spending, prioritizing needs over wants in 2026.

Limit impulse spending. This spending is making emotionally driven, unplanned purchases. Unchecked, it can quickly derail your financial progress. Before making a purchase, ask yourself how this might impact your budget or goals.
Embrace budgeting. This is a powerful tool to make progress in your present and future financial goals. However, according to the data, only 30% reported that they consistently follow a budget today. One budget method is putting your financial goals on autopay, so your savings, retirement, and any debt payments are automatically deducted from your account.
Save on dining out. The survey showed this as the #1 indulgence people refuse to cut. You can save on dining out by limiting yourself to a certain number of orders a week or committing to cooking on the weekdays and only dining out on the weekends.
Boost savings. Inventory your monthly spending. Consider, do I really need to pay for this? “We all have an extra subscription or two we can cut out or find a free alternative for.”
Pay off debt. Start by organizing your debt. Be clear who you owe money to, how much is owed, your minimum payment, and the annual percentage rate. Then act and create a plan that’s super-specific. Break it down into a monthly strategy and outline exactly how much you will pay then. Begin with the debt charging the highest interest.
Increase income. With the internet and the gig economy, it’s easier than ever to make some extra cash to boost your income and help you meet financial goals faster. “You can opt for something flexible like dog walking or meal delivery, or finally lean into a passion project like selling your artwork.”

offset, Baltimore, donation, high school students

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 20, 2026

Rapper Offset Settles $1.5M Tax Debt

The former Migos member is reportedly not out of the woods yet.

Atlanta recording artist Offset, in the midst of his divorce from Cardi B, has settled a more than $1.5 million tax debt with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), US Magazine reports.

Offset (born Kiari Kendrell Cephus) owed $1,575,266.73.

The IRS released a lien on the bill on Dec. 26, 2025, for the money he owed the government for 2022. The lien was initially filed on April 3, 2024.

Rapper Offset has paid off a $1.5 million tax debt that Uncle Sam demanded amid his bitter divorce from Cardi B, Us Weekly can exclusively report. https://t.co/a4aSJhjqxG
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) January 16, 2026

The former Migos member is reportedly not out of the woods yet. He may have to come up with an additional $778,426 to be cleared of any government debt.

Why that amount? US initially reported in October 2025 that Offset was hit with a separate six-figure lien—$486,426.35 in taxes for 2023. It also stated that he will be hit with another one for owing $292,000 for 2021, according to a March 2025 filing by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The original amount listed by the agency is $167,916, but the total increased to $167,916 due to interest ($53,000), penalties ($40,000), collection fees ($33,000), and other costs.

Last year, Cardi revealed her husband’s tax issues and blamed them for the divorce not being finalized yet. The couple split in 2024, according to US Weekly.

“The only reason why I’m still married is because somebody wants me to pay for their taxes,” she alleged. “Y’all wanna know the tea? The only way I can get out of my marriage is if I pay for somebody else’s taxes, even though I pay for my own, and give them one of my properties. I’m fighting for that, I’m gonna fight for that. This is not no love sh**.”

In May 2025, Offset requested joint custody and spousal support in the couple’s divorce case.

strike, flight attendants,united airlines, la dodgers, biohazard, Dulles International Airport, vomiting

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 20, 2026

United Airlines Sued By Ex-Employee On Claims He Was Fired After Using PTO For Chemotherapy

The employee says he was ineligible for medical leave, leaving him with no choice but to use sick time for chemo.

United Airlines is facing a lawsuit from a former employee who says the company fired him for using too much paid time off to attend chemotherapy.

Hasan Syed filed the lawsuit Jan. 13 in Illinois, citing disability-based discrimination as the reason behind his firing from the U.S.-based airliner. According to a filing obtained by People, Syed stated he was let go over the phone for taking too much time off.

He says, however, that he requested the PTO to attend his chemotherapy sessions. He began working for the company in April 2024, receiving a diagnosis of his stage four lymphoma cancer diagnosis in January of the next year.

While he tried to get leave for his serious illness through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), he was denied due to not having worked at the company long enough. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employees can receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave with health benefits intact after 12 consecutive months of employment.

Following the harrowing news, he still tried to keep up with his 12-hour shifts. He used his employee benefits of paid time off and sick days as he began chemo that February.

“Despite his diagnosis and medical challenges, [Syed] continued working and performing his job duties to the best of his abilities,” the complaint says.

However, the company began to take note of how often he used his off days, unknowingly placing him on the chopping block. In the midst of a chemo session, Syed received a call informing him of his termination. His supervisor allegedly stated that his time off was the culprit.

“I’m sorry, but I have to let you go,” reportedly detailed the supervisor. “You’re taking too much time off work.”

To add insult to injury, Syed claims the termination occurred one week before he became eligible for medical leave. His lawsuit further dictated that the firing left Syed at a loss, especially with the abrupt removal of his health benefits.

[United’s] actions caused [Syed] significant financial harm, emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of dignity during an extremely vulnerable period of his life,” stated the filing.

However, Syed says the termination violated more than the FMLA. The former airline worker also accused United of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Now, Syed hopes to reclaim back pay with interest, loss of benefits, and damages for what he considers an unjust firing. His attorney told the news outlet that his case is more than personal, but about “hold[ing] employers accountable.”

“Mr. Syed’s case is about a worker who did everything he could to keep working while fighting a serious medical condition — and was terminated instead of supported,” shared the attorney, Chad Eisenback, in an emailed statement. “No one should have to choose between their health and their livelihood, and we will continue to hold employers accountable when they do.”

As for United Airlines, the company refused to issue a statement on the legal matter.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 20, 2026

Don Lemon And Nicki Minaj Spar on X Following Anti-ICE Protest at Church

She called for the journalist's arrest for reporting from an anti‑ICE protest at a Minnesota church.

Don Lemon and Nicki Minaj exchanged words after the rapper called for Lemon to be jailed over his presence at an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.

The former CNN host was called out on Jan. 19 after Minaj took to X to harshly criticize Lemon over his coverage of an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“DON ‘C* S*** LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!” Minaj wrote.

Lemon, who says he attended the event solely to document it for his independent YouTube channel, responded by calling Minaj a “homophobic bigot” and noting her birth in Trinidad and Tobago, calling her an “undocumented citizen.”

“Nicki Minaj, stop talking about s*** for which you know nothing about. This is out of your depth. You are a homophobic bigot. You don’t care about African Americans, and you’re not an African American. From what I know, you are reportedly an undocumented citizen so you should be deported under Donald Trump’s rules.”

Don Lemon: “Nicki Minaj, stop talking about shit for which you know nothing about. This is out of your depth. You are a homophobic bigot. You don’t care about African Americans and you’re not an African American. From what I know, you are reportedly an undocumented citizen so you… pic.twitter.com/wMaXGxYzrx
— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) January 19, 2026

Lemon also referenced the criminal histories of Minaj’s husband, a registered sex offender, and her brother, Jelani Maraj, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing his stepdaughter, and accused the rapper of aligning herself with the Republican Party.

“Nicki Minaj, get a life. Stop being a ‘pick me.’ You should have put a pick-me doll on that damn tweet instead of a Chucky doll, because you are nothing but a pick-me. And I pick. I choose not to pick you. And so should Black people, and so should gay people. [They] shouldn’t buy your music. Clock that,” he said.

Minaj later returned to X, saying she had made her post about Lemon deliberately abrasive, explaining it was the only way to get attention from certain users.

“And I purposely wrote it that way b/c I knew that would be the only way to get the c* s*** to post about it,” she wrote. “They would’ve all collectively ignored the despicable behavior displayed by Lemon head. I’m glad they’re angry. They’re about to get angrier.”

The controversy began after anti‑ICE protesters disrupted services at Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18, accusing one of the church’s pastors of also serving as the acting field director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the region. Demonstrators, organized by Black Lives Matter Minnesota, chanted “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good”—referencing the Minnesota woman recently killed by an ICE agent.

https://twitter.com/Trumpwon/status/2012968775109255205

Lemon insists he was covering the protest as a journalist and had no prior knowledge that the group would target the church, telling viewers in an Instagram video, “I have no affiliation with that organization. I didn’t even know they were going to this church until we followed them there.”

He released a statement to Fox News Digital, denouncing the criticism and standing by his journalism.

“It’s notable that I’ve been cast as the face of a protest I was covering as a journalist—especially since I wasn’t the only reporter there,” he said. “That framing is telling…If this much time and energy is going to be spent manufacturing outrage, it would be far better used investigating the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good—the very issue that brought people into the streets in the first place. I stand by my reporting.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 20, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Appeal Denied, Must Pay Nigerian Company Close To $3M For Breach Of Contract

In June 2017, Mayweather signed an agreement to make several appearances in Africa but never showed up

After numerous rumors of financial issues surfaced in recent years, undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather has been ordered to pay a Nigerian media company more than $2 million for failing to satisfy a prior debt owed to the company for breach of contract.

According to Business Insider Africa, the fighter was previously ordered to pay Zinni Media Concept Limited $2.4 million in 2023 and, after not making any payments for over two years, now owes close to $3 million, with interest added.

The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in June 2017, after Mayweather signed an agreement with the media company to make several appearances in Africa. After being paid an initial $210,000, he never appeared and did not refund the fee he had been paid.

In 2023, Mayweather was sued in California for failing to appear at the scheduled events. A Los Angeles court awarded Zinni Media $2.4 million. The damages were outlined as $1,638,542 in principal, $721,881 in prejudgment interest, $16,270 in attorney fees, and $285 in costs, bringing the total to $2,376,978.

Mayweather appealed the decision, but the court denied it.

Alex Nwankwo, who is an executive for Zinni Media, stated, “After multiple unsuccessful attempts to recover the appearance fees from Mayweather, we filed a lawsuit in 2018, alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and fraud. We appreciate that two courts have ruled in favour of Zinni Media Ltd.”

The court has ruled that attorneys may pursue enforcement and seize Mayweather’s luxury vehicles, including a 2015 Bugatti Veyron and a 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, both of which are worth more than the amount owed to Zinni Media.

In May 2025, Mayweather responded to the reports of his assumed financial problems at The Real Deal’s New York City Forum.

“Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but if that’s what you call having two private jets, owning 100 buildings, and being able to do what you want, then I’m pretty sure everybody is going bankrupt,” he told the audience when questioned about it.

The retired boxer, who remains active by participating in exhibition matches, has one slated this year (no date has been revealed) against Mike Tyson.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 20, 2026

John Legend Appointed To Global Citizen’s Board Of Directors

The EGOT winner has been involved with Global Citizen from the beginning.

John Legend’s years of work with Global Citizen have earned him an official seat on the organization’s board of directors.

On Jan. 19, Global Citizen co-founder and CEO Hugh Evans announced the EGOT-winning musician, entrepreneur, and activist as one of five new board appointees. Joining Legend on the board are Manchester United co-chairman and Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Avie Glazer; H.E. Mariam AlMheiri, vice chair and managing director of 2PointZero; Omar Al-joulani, Live Nation Concerts president of touring Omar Al-joulani; and Ankur Jain, Bilt founder and CEO.

Their appointments coincide with new initiatives to broaden the organization’s global efforts to end extreme poverty.

“As we expand into new regions and partnerships, their leadership will help turn action into impact across education, health, climate, and economic opportunity,” Evans wrote on Instagram.

Legend’s board appointment caps a relationship with Global Citizen, dating back to its 2011 founding. His involvement includes hosting the Global Citizen Prize at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2019 and 2020, speaking at Global Citizen NOW: New York, and headlining the Move Afrika initiative last year in Lagos and Kigali.

“I’ve seen how this organization turns collective energy into real progress, and I’m honored to help guide its mission forward as a member of the Board,” Legend said in a statement.

Evans described the board expansion as a response to growing global challenges, bringing together visionary leaders for cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the fight against extreme poverty.

“At a time when the world needs bold, cross-sector leadership to accelerate progress against extreme poverty, Global Citizen is proud to welcome an extraordinary group of leaders to our Board,” Evans said in a statement. “From culture and sport to business and global policy, each leader brings the reach and expertise to help us mobilize new audiences, scale our campaigns, organize major global events, and drive real-world outcomes.”

The new appointees will join existing board members, including Chair Francine Katsoudas, EVP and chief people, policy, & purpose oficer at Cisco, to support the organization’s focus on expanding into the Middle East and Africa.

miami, miami woman, animal cruelty, dog, cruelty

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 20, 2026

Cold Comfort: Devoted Dog Mom Chooses Freeze-Drying Over Burial To Keep ‘Baby Present’

The grieving dog owner shared to TikTok about her experience freeze-drying the animal.

A grieving woman dealing with the loss of her furry best friend has opted to process the grief in an unusual way.

The dog owner has gone viral on TikTok for her dog, who will, physically, remain in her life. The woman revealed how she chose to “freeze-dry” her dog, lovingly named “Baby,” to deal with the loss. She spoke about the “taboo” decision as she reflected on the year of freeze-drying her four-legged companion and also displayed the deceased animal. Its On Site reposted the video.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Onsite!® (@its_onsite)

“It has been one year since Baby passed away, and I wanted to talk about his freeze-drying process… He passed away November 6 of 2024. I chose to get him freeze-dried. I feel it’s kind of taboo; not all people do that with their animals, so people are very uncomfortable with that. But that is something that I feel helped with my grief. It’s been able to help me move from his passing.”

She then described his large, inoperable tumor that ultimately led to the dog’s death. While the dog’s brain and tongue remained intact, she initially planned to use his other organs. The dog did have some replacements, however, such as his eyes.

The woman hoped to take out his heart and turn it into a necklace. However, the person overseeing the procedure urged her to reconsider as the diseased organ could become a biohazard.

She also dived into the realities of freeze-drying one’s dog. On TikTok, she noted the differences between another way to preserve a pet’s physical essence.

“It’s his entire body essentially. He’s still soft in some areas, so it’s a little different than taxidermy. This is his fur, his ears… his nose was not replaced. His paws aren’t soft anymore; they are frozen. But yeah, this is him. “

While virtual onlookers felt creeped out by the display, the woman has no plans to put her “Baby” in any corner.

“I’m not going to put him away for anybody; this is my dog,” she asserted to TikTok. “His skeleton is still intact.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 20, 2026

Trump Issues Late-Night MLK Day Proclamation After Backlash

President Donald Trump issued a late-night MLK Day proclamation, narrowly avoiding becoming the first president to skip the federal holiday.

President Donald Trump seemingly attempted to silence criticism over being the first president to skip over Martin Luther King Jr. Day by quietly issuing a proclamation late at night.

After facing backlash, Trump finally issued an official statement at 8:15 p.m. acknowledging Martin Luther King Jr. Day, following hours of silence and criticism from the NAACP, the New Republic reports. His nearly day-long delay broke tradition, as he neither recognized Dr. King’s legacy earlier in the day nor attended any commemorative events.

”Dr. King pioneered a movement that would go on to triumphantly reaffirm our national conviction that every man, woman, and child is endowed by their Creator with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” the statement read. “As President, I am steadfastly committed to ensuring that our country will always be guided by the same principles that Dr. King defended throughout his life and to upholding the timeless truth that our rights are not granted by government but endowed by Almighty God.”

Trump highlighted that he had “proudly ordered the declassification of documents related to [King’s] assassination,” even though the King family openly criticized how he handled their release. However, his statement made no mention of racial justice, the civil rights movement, or the African American community that King dedicated his life to defending.

“Dr. King’s extraordinary resolve stands as an enduring testament to the unstoppable fire of freedom and, tragically, ultimately cost him his life,” 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 federal holiday honoring Dr. King was established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, 15 years after King’s assassination, and designated as a day of service in 1994 under President Bill Clinton. Presidents traditionally issue statements and attend events celebrating King’s legacy on the third Monday of January. However,h Trump skipped Monday’s commemorations, spending the day at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

In past years, proclamations were often issued days before the holiday, which Trump did on King’s birthday in 2021, while Biden’s last year was issued Jan. 17. This year, Trump’s statement came a month after he removed MLK Day and Juneteenth from the list of free-entry days at national parks. While his proclamation did not explicitly mention MLK Day, it did reference “Dr. King’s dream” while encouraging acts of service.

“On this day, I encourage all Americans to recommit themselves to Dr. King’s dream by engaging in acts of service to others, to their community, and to our Nation.”

Trump’s MLK Day proclamation was not shared on the White House or his personal social media accounts. Instead, posts that day focused on immigration enforcement actions and the college football championship in Miami, which Trump attended on the federal holiday. Prior to issuing the statement, he was called out by NAACP National President Derrick Johnson for failing to recognize the holiday.

“Donald Trump has zero interest in uniting this country or recognizing its history and diversity,” Johnson said. “Instead, he wants to pit us against each other so that we don’t pay attention to the fact that his net worth has more than doubled while families lose their healthcare and access to essential services.”