By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following hours of activity on social media focusing on election fraud and ICE raids, former President Trump released an official proclamation recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This acknowledgement, which appeared on the White House website and was sent to news outlets, came late in the day after numerous critical social media posts from the public. Trump’s delayed response and his administration’s rollback of certain civil rights initiatives drew immediate criticism. Public figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized Trump’s choice to not offer free admission to national parks for the holiday.
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Trump blasted for not recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Honestly, it’s not really a shock, is it? We’ve come to expect a certain pattern of behavior, and his silence on Martin Luther King Jr. Day fits right in. The prevailing sentiment is a blend of relief and disappointment – relief that he didn’t tarnish the day with his commentary, and disappointment that he didn’t acknowledge the significance of the holiday.
Trump’s history, as it’s been laid bare over the years, is one that includes actions and statements that, at best, seem tone-deaf to the struggles for racial equality, and at worst, could be interpreted as outright racist. It’s a sad reality that he’s been labeled a red-lining Birther with a white supremacist cult following. So, his failure to publicly recognize MLK Day is seen as a predictable extension of that pattern. It’s hard to imagine him issuing a statement that wouldn’t have been self-serving or, as some put it, “racist garbage.”
The general consensus is that silence was preferable to a potentially damaging statement. Imagine the alternative – a self-congratulatory post, a deflection to other issues, or worse, some attempt to co-opt King’s legacy for his own ends. Many feel it’s better that he just stayed silent.
The criticism goes beyond just the lack of recognition. There’s a deep-seated feeling that America has, in some ways, regressed, particularly in the realm of racial justice. The Civil Rights Act was passed nearly six decades ago, and yet, the fight for equality continues. The holiday is a moment to reflect on this struggle, a struggle that, in many ways, is still happening. Some people are more worried about Black and Brown immigrants being treated equally than they are about them being kidnapped with impunity by armed immigration agents.
Many believe that Trump is always jealous of a great man. He had two choices: recognize MLK Jr., or be an intentionally controversial racist and irresponsible president. It’s not a surprise which option he chose.
This sentiment is tied to the broader political climate. People are worried about the future. There’s a sense of dread, of a “nightmare” taking shape, of America moving in the wrong direction. The constant comparison to historical figures like George Wallace highlights the concern about where the country might be heading.
The absence of any acknowledgment on Trump’s part is seen as a continuation of his pattern of behavior. He doesn’t recognize his betters, and his views are not only racist, but he has done many public things against black people. We’ve seen it with Juneteenth, and the expectation is that he’s equally dismissive of this holiday. There’s a clear understanding that Trump is who he is, and he doesn’t change.
For many, his lack of engagement is a relief. They feared he would post something offensive, or inappropriate. It is often described that way. The alternative – a potentially damaging, self-serving statement – was something no one wanted to hear. The general feeling is that it was best he shut up.
The lack of recognition, then, is not viewed in isolation. It’s part of a bigger picture – a reflection of his values, his rhetoric, and the political movement he leads. It’s simply not shocking to learn that he didn’t honor MLK Jr. In fact, many were worried that he would “soil” Dr. King’s name.
The focus is on celebrating MLK Day and everything it stands for. Instead of being focused on Trump, people can read his speeches, read about him, and remember the history he created.
It’s a stark reminder that the fight for racial equality is far from over and that the values MLK stood for are still relevant, perhaps even more so, today.