Trump Grants Federal Employees Extra Days Off for Christmas 2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 21, 2025, granting federal employees an extended holiday break this Christmas. The order designates both Christmas Eve on December 24 and the day after Christmas on December 26 as federal holidays, providing workers with a three-day weekend. Christmas Day, December 25, is already recognized as a federal holiday.

The White House stated that this decision aligns with a series of policy announcements made by the president in recent days. While the executive order officially closes federal offices on December 24 and December 26, employees will only be required to work if their roles involve national security, defense, or other essential public services. Agencies that provide critical services may still mandate some staff to report for duty.

Historical Context of Holiday Breaks

Presidents have occasionally granted time off to federal workers during the festive season. While it is common for Christmas Eve to be recognized as a holiday, it is rare for a president to assign both Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas off in the same year. This marks a notable shift in holiday policy and represents the first instance in recent years where federal employees have received two additional days off around Christmas.

During his first term, Trump allowed federal workers to take Christmas Eve off in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Former President Joe Biden also granted Christmas Eve off in 2024. In 2014, former President Barack Obama provided a holiday for federal employees on December 26 when Christmas fell on a Thursday, as it does this year.

Broader Implications of the Executive Order

While Trump has previously expressed concerns about the number of non-working holidays in the United States, he has also utilized executive orders to grant one-time holidays to federal employees. This recent announcement is part of a broader agenda that includes plans to reclassify cannabis under federal law, approve bonus checks for military personnel, and discuss potential tariff rebate checks.

As federal employees prepare for an extended holiday break, the implications of this executive order extend beyond mere time off. It reflects an evolving approach to holiday policies and highlights the significance of federal employee welfare during the festive season.