US Skips Official World AIDS Day for First Time in 40 Years

For the first time in nearly four decades, the United States government under President Donald Trump will not officially commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, according to a directive from the State Department. The instruction, outlined in an internal email, prohibits employees and grant recipients from using federal funds to mark the occasion or promoting it through public channels such as social media, speeches, or media engagements.

The policy shift applies broadly to commemorative observances, directing staff to avoid messaging on such days. While personnel may still highlight ongoing U.S. efforts to combat HIV and AIDS through programs like the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, and attend related events, they cannot publicly endorse the day itself. The email emphasizes that employees should not speak at commemoration events or advertise their participation online.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott explained the rationale, stating that the administration aims to modernize its approach to infectious diseases. "An awareness day is not a strategy," Pigott said. "Under the leadership of President Trump, the State Department is working directly...