Trump declared May 8 a national holiday. What's open and closed?

The announcement was largely met with a collective "huh?" Nov. 11, after all, already was a national holiday: Veteran's Day. The other holiday would be just three days later. Did that mean people wouldn't have to go to work? For that matter, some wondered, does Trump have the authority to simply declare national holidays?

Now, as the May 8 holiday occurs for the second year, here's what you need to know about what's open, what's closed, and what this all means for Americans.

Are banks open on May 8?

Yep! But we understand the confusion. Banks are normally closed on national holidays, but not this one. As part of his social media post/proclamation, Trump said "we will not be closing the Country" for these new holidays, because "we already have too many Holidays in America. We were Workers then, and we are Workers now!" As a result, you'll be able to access your safe deposit box and conduct business as usual (2).

Will there be any mail delivery on May 8?

There will. The U.S. Postal Service, as well as FedEx and UPS, will operate normally. All post offices and drop off locations will keep their normal hours (3).

Is the stock market open on May 8?

Trade away! All major markets will open and close at their usual times (4).

Are government offices open on May 8?

Both federal offices and state offices will be open (5) for business. No states opted to put a bill before their legislators to propose closing for the new holiday.

Which retail and grocery stores are closed on May 8?

None. Zero. Zip. And typically, when retailers stay open during a holiday, they find a reason to whip up a sale around it. Given the timing, though, they'll likely remain focused on Mother's Day deals instead.

Does Trump even have the ability to declare a national holiday?

Technically, he does, but then again, so do you (6). Declaring a national holiday is simple. It's making it a federal holiday that's tricky.

There are, of course, some absolutely wild 'holidays' already on the calendar. May 8 (7), in addition to being a Trump-declared holiday, is also "National Give Someone a Cupcake Day" and "No Socks Day." Aug. 8 (8) is "Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day." And, if you'd like to keep the party going on May 9, you can celebrate "Hurrah For Buttons Day" or "Lost Sock Memorial Day."

When it comes to federal holidays, though, only Congress can designate those (9). There are currently 12 federal holidays on the books in the U.S. The next one where you're likely to get a day off is Memorial Day, which takes place on May 25 in 2026.

Article Sources

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Truth Social (1); Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (2); U.S. Postal Service (3); New York Stock Exchange (4); U.S. Office of Personnel Management (5); National Day Archives (6); Holidays and Observances (7); Old Farmer's Almanac (8); U.S. Congress (9)