In a move aimed at extending Christmas cheer for millions of federal employees, President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order designating Christmas Eve (December 24) and the day after Christmas (December 26) as days off for most government workers.
This decision effectively creates a five-day break surrounding Christmas Day, which falls on a Thursday this year, and is already a longstanding federal holiday.
The executive order specifies that all executive departments and agencies of the federal government shall be closed on both of the aforementioned days, though it does contain some exceptions. Agency heads may require certain offices or employees to remain operational for reasons of national security, defense, or other public needs. Essential personnel, such as those in law enforcement, healthcare, or emergency services, may still need to report to work as well.
“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, the day before and the day following Christmas Day, respectively,” the order reads.
Trump’s action is not unprecedented but marks a generous extension compared to typical holiday practices.
Presidents have the authority to issue such executive orders to grant additional time off without needing congressional approval, as it applies only to the executive branch and is limited to a specific year. For instance, during his first term, President Trump granted federal employees Christmas Eve off in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
In 2020, when Christmas Eve fell on a Thursday — similar to this year’s configuration — he provided a full day off. Former President Barack Obama did something comparable in 2014, the last time Christmas landed on a Thursday, by giving workers December 26 off.
BREAKING: President Trump signs executive order making Christmas Eve and December 26th OFFICIAL federal holidays:
“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
All executive departments and… pic.twitter.com/UavlTxcFvT
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 18, 2025
The announcement comes just after President Trump revealed during his primetime address that all U.S. service members would be receiving a $1,776 “warrior dividend” as a Christmas gift this year.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth added Thursday that the bonus — which is already in the process of being distributed — will be tax free. “Thanks to President Trump’s unwavering commitment to our warriors and the provisions in the one big, beautiful bill, more than 1.45 million service members will, in the coming days, receive a one-time tax-free bonus,” the secretary said in a video statement.
“I can think of no better Americans to receive this check right before Christmas, whether it’s for pay, housing, base support, all elements of what we’re doing are to rebuild our military.”
