Proclamation 9988-American Red Cross Month, 2020
Issued 2020-02-28 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This executive action, called Proclamation 9988-American Red Cross Month, 2020, was issued by President Donald J. Trump. It is a type of presidential proclamation that designates "American Red Cross Month, 2020" as a ceremonial observance. This action does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or place legal obligations on citizens. Instead, it is purely declaratory, expressing the President's sentiment on behalf of the nation and drawing public awareness to the American Red Cross.
The proclamation affects the American Red Cross by bringing national attention to its work. It also thanks and honors the selfless volunteers, dedicated employees, and generous supporters who contribute to the organization. The American Red Cross provides comfort and support services during emergencies, responds to over 60,000 disasters annually, supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood products, teaches life-saving skills, supports military members, veterans, and their families, and offers international humanitarian aid.
This action matters because it highlights the important work of the American Red Cross, drawing public awareness to its efforts to ease suffering before, during, and after emergencies. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations like this one since George Washington, and they are a traditional part of the executive branch's role. Such proclamations require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9988-American Red Cross Month, 2020" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to american red cross. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2020 Proclamation 9988—American Red Cross Month, 2020 February 28, 2020 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For 139 years, the American Red Cross has provided comfort and support services to ease suffering before, during, and after emergencies in the United States and around the world. The American Red Cross provides shelter, care, and compassion in response to more than 60,000 disasters a year. It also supplies about 40 percent of our Nation's blood products; teaches skills that save lives; supports our military, veterans, and their families; and provides international humanitarian aid to countries in need. During American Red Cross Month, we thank and honor the selfless volunteers, dedicated employees, and generous supporters who invest their time, talent, and resources to provide compassionate outreach and assistance to so many. Each year, American Red Cross workers and trained volunteers respond to a wide range of emergencies, from natural disasters that destroy entire communities to home fires that displace individual families. In response to last year's devastating hurricanes, wildfires, storms, floods, and earthquakes, the American Red Cross and its partners opened and supported emergen