Trump recognizes Columbus Day and Victory Day, but not World AIDS Day

For the first time since 1988, the United States will not officially mark World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to remembering those who have died from the disease, promoting efforts to fight the epidemic, and raising public awareness. An awareness day is not a strategy, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the New York Times.

Despite this, former President Donald Trump has continued to issue proclamations for numerous other awareness days, weeks, and months, focusing on topics he favors. Examples include:

• Anti-Communism Week: From November 28, Trump declared a week to reflect on the destruction caused by communism and reaffirm the national commitment against it. This coincided with the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, whom Trump labeled a communist lunatic.
• Energy Proclamation: In October, Trump renamed National Energy Awareness Month, framing it as a call for maximum production, maximum prosperity, and maximum power, emphasizing domestic production of oil, natural gas, coal, and critical minerals.
• Leif Erikson Day: Celebrated annually under Trumps administration, the day honors the Norse explorer believed to be the first European to reach North America.
• Columbus Day: Trump reaffirmed the observance of Columbus Day, opposing its replacement with Indigenous Peoples Day, praising Columbus legacy of courage and perseverance.
• National Manufacturing Day: Proclaimed on October 3 each year, Trump highlighted tariffs, reduced regulations, and the promotion of domestic manufacturing, honoring workers and innovators.
• Overdose Prevention Week: From August 31 to September 6, coinciding with International Overdose Awareness Day, Trump encouraged programs and ceremonies to combat the opioid crisis, emphasizing his immigration and drug policy efforts.
• Cancer Control Month: Trump used this observance to honor cancer survivors and those who passed, while promoting medical research and innovative treatments.
• Made in America Week: Celebrated July 2026, Trump encouraged recognition of craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and workers who contribute to the nations strength.
• Historical Commemorations: Trump issued proclamations for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the 101st anniversary of the US Border Patrol, Victory Day for World War II, and the 418th anniversary of the Cape Henry Landing.

Additionally, Trump has continued to proclaim observances for pre-existing events, often health-related, such as Holocaust Days of Remembrance, National Mental Health Awareness Month, and World Autism Awareness Day.

Analysis: The U.S. Response to World AIDS Day and Proclamations Under Trump

The decision by the U.S. government to not officially mark World AIDS Day in 2023 marks a significant break in tradition, as the observance has been held annually since 1988. This shift is particularly notable given the ongoing global fight against HIV/AIDS, with the day serving as an important reminder of the epidemic's impact and the continued need for public awareness and action. While State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott downplayed the importance of the day by stating, "An awareness day is not a strategy," many argue that the decision undermines the efforts to keep HIV/AIDS in the public consciousness.

Former President Donald Trump's administration, in contrast, consistently issued proclamations for a wide range of observances, many unrelated to HIV/AIDS. From Anti-Communism Week to National Manufacturing Day, Trump’s presidency saw a rise in the proclamation of days, weeks, and months dedicated to various issues, often those aligned with his political agenda. This included health-related observances like Cancer Control Month and Overdose Prevention Week, but conspicuously omitted World AIDS Day.

While some may view the non-observance of World AIDS Day as a lack of commitment to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, others could argue that the shift in focus reflects changing priorities within the administration. Nonetheless, the absence of a national acknowledgment for such a critical public health issue raises questions about the U.S. government’s current stance on global health crises and the importance of awareness in tackling them.

The broader implications of this decision extend beyond just HIV/AIDS. It signals a potential shift in how health-related observances are handled, with a more selective approach in honoring causes that align with current political goals. As the U.S. moves forward, it remains to be seen whether this decision reflects a broader trend or is simply an anomaly in the political landscape.

Sources:

• For Trump, there’s Columbus Day and Victory Day, but no World Aids Day