Federal workers will get two additional days off this holiday season, thanks to an executive order just issued by President Donald Trump.
The order directs executive branch agencies to close on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 26 — the days before and after Christmas Day, which falls on Thursday this year. Combined with the Christmas holiday itself, most federal employees will enjoy a five-day weekend from Dec. 24-28.
Agency heads may require certain employees to work on those days “for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need,” according to the order issued Thursday afternoon.
The two extra days will be treated as federal holidays for purposes of pay and leave, meaning employees who are required to work may be eligible for holiday pay provisions.
Similar orders granting federal employees extra time off around Christmas are often issued by presidents of both parties, though the practice is not annual and usually just covers Christmas Eve. Last year, then-President Biden’s order granted Tuesday, Dec. 24 off.
