President Donald Trump has declared January 20, 2026, as the “National Day of Patriotic Devotion,” marking the one-year anniversary of his return to office with a proclamation celebrating what his administration describes as transformative achievements in border security and economic policy.
“On this National Day of Patriotic Devotion, we unite as one people to honor our most sacred American ideals, celebrate our victories, and reaffirm our solemn mission to make our country greater than ever before,” Trump stated in the official proclamation.
A Familiar Tradition
This isn’t the first time Trump has made such a declaration. The 2026 proclamation mirrors a similar one he issued in 2017 during his first term, continuing a tradition where presidents designate their inauguration day with ceremonial titles.
In the document, Trump paints a stark contrast between the state of the nation before and after his 2025 inauguration. “One year ago today, I stood in the majestic rotunda of our Nation’s Capitol and pledged to the American people that we would reclaim our national sovereignty, restore our safety, rebalance the scales of justice, and rebuild a country that is proud, prosperous, and free,” the president declared.
Border Security Claims
The administration’s proclamation highlights border security as a signature achievement, claiming a 92 percent drop in illegal crossings since Trump took office. According to the document, this followed several executive actions including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and resuming construction of the border wall.
“Illegal border crossings over the year have plummeted by 92 percent, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol seized more than half a million pounds of drugs,” the proclamation asserts.
Economic Policies
What about inflation? The White House claims significant progress on that front too, with the proclamation stating that “inflation is down 70 percent from its peak rate during the previous administration.” The document also touts several tax policy changes, including making previous tax cuts permanent and eliminating taxes on tips, Social Security benefits, and overtime pay.
The administration also highlighted passage of what it calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — though the proclamation doesn’t detail the specific provisions of this legislation.
Religious Freedom Initiatives
The National Day of Patriotic Devotion isn’t the only proclamation Trump has issued in January 2026. Just days earlier, he proclaimed January 16 as Religious Freedom Day, establishing several faith-based initiatives including a White House Faith Office, Religious Liberty Commission, and a Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias.
“This Religious Freedom Day, I pledge that I will never stop fighting to restore America as a Nation of prayer, a country of faith, and a radiant beacon of liberty and justice for all,” Trump stated in that document.
Both proclamations are among only two that Trump has signed so far in 2026 that have been published in the Federal Register.
These ceremonial proclamations, while not carrying the weight of executive orders or legislation, offer a window into how the administration seeks to frame its priorities and accomplishments as Trump begins the second year of his new term.
