‘Star Trek’s’ Robert Picardo Wants Presidents’ Day ‘Cancelled’ After Justice System Was ‘cancelled’
Robert Picardo, best known for his role in Star Trek: Voyager, has sparked controversy after suggesting that Presidents’ Day should be canceled. The actor, who has been outspoken in his criticism of President Donald Trump, made his remarks in a post on the social media platform BlueSky.
In his post, Picardo wrote, “Being that paper straws, The Gulf of Mexico, and our justice system have been recently canceled, let’s cancel Presidents’ Day.” His statement appears to be a jab at what he sees as the erosion of the justice system under Trump’s leadership.
Being that papers straws, The Gulf of Mexico and our justice system have been recently cancelled, let's cancel Presidents' Day.
— Robert Picardo (@robertpicardo.bsky.social) February 17, 2025 at 5:15 AM
This is not the first time Picardo has taken aim at Trump and his administration. In November, he claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that “Trump has threatened to terminate the Constitution.” He has also criticized Trump supporters, suggesting they engage in fear-mongering by labeling Vice President Kamala Harris a communist simply for supporting working-class and low-income Americans over billionaires.
Picardo also voiced concerns about Trump’s reported plans to appoint a controversial figure as a health advisor. He commented, “Trump wants to appoint a vaccine conspiracist and medical moron as some kind of ‘health czar.’”
Presidents’ Day, originally meant to honor George Washington’s birthday, has been celebrated in the United States since the 19th century. Initially observed on February 22nd, Washington’s actual birthday, the holiday was later moved to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, passed by Congress in 1968. This bill was designed to create more three-day weekends for American workers.
Though the federal government officially recognizes the holiday as Washington’s Birthday, commercial businesses and marketing campaigns popularized the name Presidents’ Day, leading many people to believe the holiday honors all U.S. presidents.
Picardo’s comments about canceling Presidents’ Day have added to the growing divide in political discourse. While some people supported his remarks, others criticized him for what they saw as an unnecessary attack on a long-standing national holiday.
As debates about political figures, national traditions, and free speech continue, it remains to be seen whether Picardo will address the backlash or double down on his stance.
