"President’s Day 2025: A Celebration or a Warning?"

This holiday has morphed into an ambiguous, catch-all celebration of presidents past and present, regardless of whether they deserved to be celebrated at all.

President's Day, observed on the third Monday of February, has become a symbol of America's complex relationship with its leaders and the evolving nature of national reflection. Originally established in 1879 to honor George Washington's birthday on February 22, the holiday has morphed into a generalized celebration of all U.S. presidents, both past and present. However, this shift has diluted its original intent, leading to varied interpretations and, for many, reducing it to just another day off from work.

The federal government still officially recognizes the holiday as "Washington's Birthday," yet the name "Presidents' Day" has gained popularity, largely due to commercial influences and state-level adoptions. This divergence has led to a lack of uniformity in its observance, with some states honoring Washington exclusively, others including Abraham Lincoln, and many extending the recognition to all presidents. This inconsistency has prompted discussions about the holiday's true purpose and significance.

In today's hyper-polarized political climate, the celebration of Presidents' Day raises questions about whom and what we are honoring. I watched Presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky on MSNBC suggest that the holiday should focus more on the achievements and principles that define effective leadership rather than the individuals themselves. This perspective encourages a shift from idolizing figures to evaluating the values and accomplishments that have shaped the nation.

This approach becomes particularly relevant, and controversial, when considering the current political landscape. Recent polls indicate that 93% of GOP members view President Donald Trump favorably, and 54% of Americans overall believe he is performing well in office. Such statistics highlight a deep divide in public opinion, reflecting not just differences in policy but also in the perception of leadership and governance.

The contention between the Republican and Democratic parties extends beyond policy disagreements; it encompasses the very individuals entrusted with implementing and overseeing these policies. President Trump's cabinet selections have faced consistent criticism from pundits and commentators, yet they continue to secure confirmation. This trend can be attributed to the reluctance of GOP members of Congress to oppose the President, fearing political repercussions such as being challenged in the 2026 midterm primaries. This dynamic suggests that personal political survival takes precedence over adherence to personal convictions or the broader national interest.

In this context, Presidents' Day could serve as an opportunity to reflect on the qualities that constitute true leadership. Drawing inspiration from figures like George Washington, who exemplified virtues such as self-control, moderation, and a steadfast commitment to republican ideals, we can assess how current leaders measure up to these standards. Washington's legacy teaches us the importance of a steady hand and a calm spirit in guiding the nation through turbulent times.

Amidst the political turmoil, cultural institutions like "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) offer a unique lens through which to view and critique our leaders. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, SNL has a long-standing tradition of political satire, using humor to hold a mirror to society and its leadership. From Nixon to Reagan, from Clinton to Bush, from Obama to Trump, no president has been spared. And that’s the beauty of it. Because in America, we don’t bow to our leaders—we laugh at them. We scrutinize them. We hold them accountable. And no matter how dark the times may seem, that right, that freedom to challenge authority, to speak truth to power, to use humor as a weapon against corruption—that is what makes democracy unbreakable.

So yes, President’s Day may have lost its way. But democracy hasn’t. Not yet. Not ever. Because as long as we have voices willing to speak, institutions willing to fight, and people willing to resist, this nation will endure. It always has. And it always will.