Captive Nations Week, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's 2025 proclamation designates July 20-26 as Captive Nations Week.
It commemorates the 1959 establishment of the week to counter communism and affirms continued American support for those living under oppressive regimes.
The proclamation reiterates the importance of religious freedom and self-governance, highlighting ongoing government efforts to promote these values internationally.
It concludes by calling upon all Americans to participate in activities supporting the cause of liberty and justice globally.
Arguments For
Intended Benefits: Showcases US commitment to human rights and freedom globally, provides moral support to oppressed populations, and promotes awareness of the ongoing struggle against totalitarian regimes.
Evidence cited: Mentions the original proclamation by President Eisenhower in 1959 and the continued relevance of the issue. Highlights the work of the Religious Liberty Commission, White House Faith Office, and the Department of State's Office of International Religious Freedom.
Implementation methods: The proclamation designates a week for commemorative activities and calls upon all Americans to participate in showing support.
Legal/historical basis: The proclamation cites the authority vested by the U.S. Constitution and laws, and the Joint Resolution of Congress from 1959 authorizing the annual Captive Nations Week designation.
Arguments Against
Potential impacts: Could be viewed as symbolic and lacking tangible impact on the lives of people living under oppression. May inadvertently create diplomatic tensions with some countries.
Implementation challenges: Actual impact depends on societal and individual level participation. Effectiveness limited by lack of concrete policy changes or actions directly impacting oppressive regimes.
Alternative approaches: More direct diplomatic efforts, targeted sanctions, and humanitarian aid might achieve more tangible results. Focusing on specific human rights violations rather than a broad proclamation could be more effective.
Unintended effects: The proclamation might be perceived as interfering in the internal affairs of other nations or as biased toward certain political perspectives.
Presidential Actions
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
This Captive Nations Week, I offer my heartfelt support to every person living under a totalitarian regime and I reaffirm my commitment to advancing a new era of peace where freedom is cherished, sovereignty is respected, and every nation can live without fear of tyranny or oppression.
In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proclaimed Captive Nations Week to counter the emerging threat of communism and declare America’s resolve to defend the fundamental rights of free speech, religious liberty, and self-government. As President, I continue that work today, as far too often, oppressive regimes still silence dissent and persecute their own citizens for practicing their faith.
The Religious Liberty Commission, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of State’s Office of International Religious Freedom are working together to expand and strengthen America’s efforts to defend religious freedom around the world. In the United States, we will always uphold the simple truth that our rights do not come from Government, but from God in Heaven. We believe that legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that freedom of religion forms the foundation of free Government.
Guided by these truths, my Administration continues to work for a more stable and peaceful world. We remain fiercely committed to working with our allies and adversaries alike to pursue strong diplomacy, resolve conflicts, and forge lasting peace everywhere.
America stands with all people who resist tyranny, defend their faith, and fight for the God-given rights of every human being. We will continue to lead with strength, speak truth in the face of oppression, and advance the cause of peace, liberty, and human dignity across the globe.
The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved July 17, 1959 (73 Stat. 212), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of July of each year as “Captive Nations Week.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 20 through July 26, 2025, as Captive Nations Week. I call upon all Americans to reaffirm our commitment to supporting those around the world striving for liberty, justice, and the rule of law with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
This presidential proclamation declares July 20-26, 2025, as Captive Nations Week.
It expresses support for individuals living under totalitarian rule and emphasizes the president's commitment to global peace and freedom.
The proclamation cites President Eisenhower's 1959 declaration of Captive Nations Week as precedent.
It highlights the administration's efforts to protect religious freedom worldwide and affirms the belief that government power stems from the consent of the governed and the importance of religious freedom.
The proclamation calls upon Americans to support those fighting for liberty and justice globally by observing the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The text concludes with the president's signature and the date.