John Fugelsang Slams Trump’s Juneteenth Snub

Fugelsang’s Fresh Substack Takedown

Comedian and political commentator John Fugelsang has published a blistering new essay on Substack titled “Juneteenth: The Holiday Trump Can’t,” in which he accuses the former president of both skipping and attacking this pivotal celebration of freedom. In an Instagram caption promoting the piece, Fugelsang quipped, “Combover Caligula both skips AND attacks Juneteenth—bc Freedom literally isn’t in his Bible.” The essay, available at johnfugelsang.substack.com/p/juneteenth-the-holiday-trump-cant, examines the dissonance between America’s founding ideals and Trump’s refusal to fully embrace Juneteenth.

Remembering Juneteenth’s Roots

Juneteenth, observed on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. Though celebrated regionally for decades, it only became a federal holiday in June 2021. Fugelsang’s critique centers on what he calls a “Bible-based” blackout, arguing that skipping Juneteenth highlights a broader unwillingness to acknowledge systemic injustices tied to America’s past.

A Record Of Resistance

Over the years, Trump’s stance on Juneteenth has been mixed. In June 2020 he tweeted congratulations to African Americans “on their Emancipation from slavery,” yet as president he never officially elevated it beyond a “wonderful American tradition.” Fugelsang traces this ambivalence to deeper ideological roots. He writes that, for Trump, “freedom literally isn’t in his Bible,” a tagline that underscores how political theater can eclipse historical truth.

Substack: A Platform For Political Punch

Fugelsang has leaned on Substack since early 2024 to expand on hot-button issues. In a June 11 Instagram post, he previewed another Substack essay with the caption: “You’ll learn a lot about how seriously Americans take the words ‘freedom’ and ‘liberty’ by how they think transgender folks should be made to live. Now on Substack: https://johnfugelsang.substack.com/p/land-of-the-free-offer-not-valid.” That piece explored how freedom is selectively applied in contemporary debates, from civil rights to gender identity.

From Stand-up To Siriusxm

A fixture in political satire since the 1990s, Fugelsang first gained notice as a stand-up comedian, then transitioned into acting and hosting. He’s appeared on shows like CNN’s The Next List and now co-hosts “Stand Up! with John Fugelsang” on SiriusXM Progress. His blend of humor and historical context has made him a go-to voice for dissecting culture wars, whether on air or in written essays.

Fugelsang’s latest Substack dispatch fits squarely within that tradition, using sharp wit to highlight contradictions in America’s treatment of its own history. By calling out a former commander-in-chief for ignoring Juneteenth, he’s forcing readers to reckon with freedom’s unfinished business.

In the end, Fugelsang’s argument is simple: true patriotism means honoring the full arc of American freedom, not just the parts that fit one’s personal playbook. With Juneteenth now enshrined in law, skipping it isn’t just a political misstep—it’s a missed opportunity to affirm the promise of liberty for all.

Trivia

In addition to comedy, John Fugelsang is also a writer and has contributed articles to various publications.

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Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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