Martin Luther King Jr Day and Trump’s inauguration today: What’s open, what’s not across US
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed annually on the third Monday of January, will fall on January 20, 2025. This day honors the legacy of the civil rights leader and the transformative impact of his work on racial equality and justice in the United States. While Dr. King’s actual birthday is January 15, the holiday is celebrated on a different date due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. This act aimed to ensure that certain federal holidays would always fall on Mondays.
In 2025, MLK Day coincides with the inauguration of Donald Trump, who will take the oath of office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States.
The push to establish MLK Day as a federal holiday began shortly after Dr. King’s assassination in 1968. The legislation took 15 years to pass, finally becoming law in 1983. The first national observance of the holiday was held in 1986, and by 1999, all 50 states officially recognized it.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday. As a result, most government offices and nonessential services will be closed. Libraries, DMV branches, and other local agencies will also observe the holiday. However, essential services such as law enforcement and emergency services will continue to operate as usual.
Is the stock market open or closed on MLK Day?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and other financial markets will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Most banking services, including those at Wells Fargo, Citibank, and TD Bank, will also be unavailable, though ATMs and online banking platforms will continue to operate for essential transactions.
Are schools closed on MLK Day?
Most schools across the country will observe MLK Day as a holiday. Many school districts encourage students to participate in community service projects or engage in programs that teach them about Dr. King’s legacy.
Is there mail on MLK Day?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not process or deliver mail on January 20, 2025. However, FedEx and UPS will operate with modified services, offering limited options. UPS Express Critical services and certain FedEx specialty services, like Freight and Office, will remain active, but most domestic ground and air shipping will be paused.
