Trump Administration: U.S. Will No Longer Commemorate World AIDS Day

For the first time since 1988, the U.S. government will not observe World AIDS Day.

Recognized each year on December 1, it is a day when people mourn for those we’ve lost to the disease, express support for the ongoing efforts to end the epidemic, and raise awareness among the general public.

Not this year.

The U.S. State Department has told employees not to use government funds to commemorate the day calling the order part of a broader policy “to refrain from messaging on any commemorative days,” according to the New York Times.

And yet, so far this year the White House has issued proclamations for dozens of other observances, including World Intellectual Property Day, World Autism Awareness Day, and National Manufacturing Day.

The Trump administration will no longer observe World AIDS Day. So far this year, the White House has issued proclamations for dozens of other observances, including National Manufacturing Day and World Intellectual Property Day. This is some petty bs.https://t.co/bF4y1fvQ7M

— The Randy Report ️‍ (@randyslovacek) November 27, 2025

More from the New York Times:

Employees and grantees may still “tout the work” being done through various programs “to counter this dangerous disease and other infectious diseases around the world,” the email said. And they may attend events related to the commemoration.

But they should “refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communication channels, including social media, media engagements, speeches or other public-facing messaging.”

The Trump administration froze foreign aid early in the year, derailing many public health programs dedicated to fighting H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS.

Modeling studies have suggested that cuts by the United States and other countries could result in 10 million additional H.I.V. infections, including one million among children, and three million additional deaths over the next five years.

This is about as petty and spiteful as Trump could get.

I’m certain this has more to do with LGBTQ people being a target for the Trump administration along the lines of cancelling DEI awareness. And as a bending of the knee to Project 2025 authors.

In any case, on this World AIDS Day, the United States will be silent.