Issued 2019-04-30 by Donald J. Trump
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Trump issued a proclamation designating May 1, 2019, as Law Day, U.S.A., a ceremonial observance recognizing the importance of the rule of law in America. The proclamation encourages Americans to express appreciation for how the rule of law protects their rights, including freedoms of religion, speech, and the press, and to reflect on the sacrifices made to secure these rights. It specifically urges government officials, the legal profession, and media industries to observe the day and calls on Americans to display the U.S. flag in support of this observance.
This proclamation is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws or impose any legal obligations on citizens. It follows a longstanding tradition of presidential proclamations dating back to George Washington, issued under authority granted by Public Law 87-20. The observance brings national attention to the constitutional principle that everyone is equally bound by and protected under the law, and no one is above it.
The proclamation affects all Americans in the sense that it designates a day of national observance, though participation is voluntary. It matters primarily as a symbolic statement about American legal principles and constitutional governance, encouraging citizens to reflect on how the separation of powers and the rule of law protect individual freedoms.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9872-Law Day, U.S.A., 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to law. 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.
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9872—Law Day, U.S.A., 2019 April 30, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On Law Day, we renew our commitment to the rule of law and our Constitution. The rule of law requires that no one be above the obligations of the law or beneath its protections, and it stands as a bulwark against the arbitrary use of government power. Our Founding Fathers knew that to secure liberty our Government must be one of laws and not the whims of officeholders. "The true idea of a republic," wrote John Adams, "is an empire of laws, and not of men." The Constitution, therefore, granted only limited power to the Federal Government, leaving the remainder to the States, and divided the Federal powers between three separate, co-equal branches. This separation of powers has helped guarantee the rule of law and preserve liberty for generations. Each branch of the Federal Government takes an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States and thus is duty bound to the rule of law. That is why my Administration continues to fight the issuance of improper injunctions by Federal district courts, which enable a single district court judge to dictate law to