President Donald Trump has approved an unprecedented five-day holiday break for most federal workers by granting two additional days off around the Christmas period.
Eko Hot News reports that the decision was announced through an executive order signed by the president on Thursday afternoon.
Under the order, federal government offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Friday, December 26, 2025, in addition to the Christmas Day holiday.
The arrangement effectively allows many federal employees to enjoy a five-day break, combining the two additional days with Christmas Day and the weekend.
The executive order directed that all executive departments and agencies of the federal government observe the closures, with employees excused from duty on the specified dates.
Trump stated that the move was aimed at recognising the service of federal workers and allowing them additional time with family during the festive season.
Despite the broad scope of the order, agency heads retain the authority to keep certain offices operational if required for national security, defence or urgent public needs.
The directive clarified that the additional days off will be treated in the same manner as federal holidays for pay, leave and related employment regulations.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been tasked with implementing the order across the federal workforce and ensuring compliance by all agencies.
The decision continues a tradition of granting federal employees extra time off during the Christmas season.
Last year, former President Joe Biden approved Christmas Eve as a federal holiday for government workers.
During Trump’s first term, he granted federal employees Christmas Eve off in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
By contrast, when Christmas last fell on a Thursday in 2014, former President Barack Obama approved only December 26 as a day off, leaving December 24 as a regular working day.
The latest directive marks one of the most generous holiday breaks ever granted to US federal employees.
Public reaction to the announcement has been largely positive, with labour groups and workers welcoming the extended rest period.
Observers say the decision could boost morale across the federal service during a period often marked by heavy workloads and end-of-year deadlines.
The move also underscores Trump’s approach to executive authority, using presidential orders to shape workplace policies within the federal government.
As agencies prepare for the holiday shutdown, essential services are expected to continue operating under special arrangements.
The White House has not indicated whether similar holiday breaks will be considered for future festive periods.
