US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the temporary closure of federal executive departments and agencies on December 24 and December 26, effectively granting government employees an extended break around the Christmas holiday.
Signed at the White House on December 18, the order formally excuses federal employees from duty on the days immediately before and after Christmas Day, which the United States already recognises as a federal holiday.
While announcing the closures, the executive order makes provisions to ensure that essential government functions remain uninterrupted.
Authorities have authorised agency heads to keep specific offices or facilities operational and to require staff to report for duty when necessary for national security, defence, or other public needs.
This flexibility aims to balance holiday relief for employees with the continued delivery of critical public services during the festive period.
The directive instructs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to take all necessary steps to implement the closures across federal departments.
The OPM will oversee coordination and compliance to ensure the order is executed smoothly.
Granting additional leave to federal employees around major holidays through executive orders is a longstanding practice among US presidents.
Governments commonly take such measures during Christmas, allowing workers extended time off while preserving exceptions for essential government operations.
By adding December 24 and December 26 to the holiday schedule, the administration has effectively extended the Christmas break for most federal workers, subject to operational requirements.
Government employees are likely to welcome the move, as it provides additional rest during the festive season while ensuring the continuity of critical services nationwide.
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