President Donald Trump’s latest salvo against paid holidays in America. Paid time off has reignited the national debate over work, rest, and what it means to be productive in America. On Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery, Trump took to Truth Social to declare, “Too many non-working holidays in America. It is costing our Country $BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to keep all of these businesses closed. The workers don’t want it either! Soon we’ll end up having a holiday for every once working day of the year. It must change if we are going to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
This rhetoric, echoing the satirical slogan “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN – WORK UNTIL DEATH!”, raises pressing questions: Are paid holidays truly an economic burden, or are they a vital component of American life and productivity? And is Trump’s vision for a relentless work culture in step with what Americans actually need and want?
America’s Paid Holiday Paradox
Fewest Days Off, Fierce Debate
Despite Trump’s claims, the United States already stands out globally for its lack of paid time off. There is no statutory minimum for paid vacation, and only 10–12 public holidays are typically observed far fewer than in Europe or Asia. In fact, the U.S. is among the least generous developed nations when it comes to paid leave, with many low-wage and hourly workers often missing out on paid holidays altogether.
While federal holidays like Christmas, the Fourth of July, and Presidents Day are recognized, private employers are not required to offer paid leave for these days, and many businesses remain open regardless of federal observances. Ironically, Trump himself has declared new commemorative days that do not come with paid leave, even as he rails against “too many holidays”.
The Economic Argument: Fact or Fiction?
Trump’s Billion-Dollar Claim Scrutinized
Trump insists that non-working holidays cost the country billions in lost productivity. But does this claim hold up under scrutiny?
- Minimal Economic Impact: Economists say reducing the number of federal holidays would likely have only a minor effect on the overall economy. Harvard’s Jeffrey Alan Miron notes that the private sector would continue to observe major holidays regardless of federal mandates, and most businesses close on days like Christmas whether or not the government requires it.
- Productivity Realities: Research suggests that productivity dips not only on holidays themselves but also in the days surrounding them, as workers schedule personal time off. However, these dips are temporary and often offset by subsequent boosts in morale and efficiency when employees return rested.
The Social Cost: What Do Workers Really Want?
A Disconnect Between Rhetoric and Reality
Trump’s assertion that “the workers don’t want it either” is debatable. While some Americans value the flexibility to work more, surveys consistently show that most workers desire more paid time off, not less. In fact, paid holidays and vacation days are linked to:
- Higher Job Satisfaction: Employees with paid leave report greater happiness and loyalty to their employers.
- Better Health Outcomes: Time off reduces stress, lowers the risk of burnout, and improves overall well-being.
- Economic Stimulus: Holidays drive consumer spending in travel, retail, and hospitality, bolstering local economies.
The Global Context: How Does America Compare?
A Newsweek analysis shows that the U.S. lags behind other developed nations in paid holidays and vacation days. For example:
| Country | Paid Public Holidays | Minimum Paid Vacation Days |
| United States | 10–12 | 0 (no federal minimum) |
| France | 11 | 30 |
| Germany | 9–13 | 20 |
| Japan | 16 | 10 |
Despite this, American workers are often celebrated for their “relentless” work ethic a point Trump leverages in his calls for fewer holidays. But the reality is that many workers feel overworked and under-rested, especially those in lower-wage or hourly positions who are least likely to receive paid leave.
The Ideological Divide: Freedom, Flexibility, and the Role of Government
Some economists and policy advocates argue that mandatory holidays reduce worker freedom and flexibility, suggesting that people should be able to choose when to take time off rather than being forced to observe specific days. However, without statutory protections, many workers especially in low-wage sectors end up with no paid leave at all.
Trump’s stance taps into a broader ideological debate: Is maximizing work hours the path to national greatness, or does a healthy, rested workforce drive long-term prosperity?
Conclusion: The Real Cost of “Work Until Death”
Trump’s campaign to eliminate federal holidays is rooted in a belief that relentless work is the key to economic strength. Yet, the evidence suggests that America already works more and rests less than most of the world and that further reducing paid time off would do little to boost the economy, while risking worker health and happiness.
As the nation debates its future, the question remains: Will America double down on its “work until death” ethos, or will it recognize that time off is not a sign of weakness, but a vital ingredient in a thriving, innovative, and humane society?
