Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jul 21: US President Donald Trump has officially proclaimed July 19–25 as Captive Nations Week, reaffirming America's support for people living under communist and authoritarian regimes while declaring that the United States "will never be a communist country."
In a presidential proclamation issued to mark the annual observance, Trump expressed solidarity with individuals facing political oppression and vowed that communist and totalitarian ideologies would never gain a foothold in the United States.
"The United States stands with all those who endure oppression under communist and tyrannical governments," Trump said, adding that America would continue to uphold freedom, democracy, and individual rights.
Describing communism as a failed ideology, Trump said it had repeatedly promised equality and prosperity but instead produced suffering, repression, and economic decline wherever it had been implemented.
He argued that communist systems suppress individual liberty by placing the state above its citizens, contrasting that with America's founding principle that fundamental rights are inherent and cannot be taken away by governments.
Calling communism one of the most serious ideological threats to the nation, Trump highlighted his administration's efforts to safeguard constitutional freedoms, including religious liberty, free speech, and free-market principles.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Religious Liberty Commission and the White House Faith Office, saying they are working to combat discrimination against religious communities and strengthen faith-based organisations across the country.
Trump also linked economic freedom with national strength, stating that his administration is pursuing policies aimed at boosting prosperity, protecting the free-market system, and expanding economic opportunities for Americans.
According to the President, preserving these freedoms also serves as a source of hope for people living under authoritarian governments around the world.
Reaffirming Washington's support for those facing political persecution, Trump said the United States would continue to stand with individuals imprisoned for expressing their views, practising their faith, or seeking democratic freedoms.
He added that America would remain committed to promoting peace, sovereignty, religious freedom, human dignity, and prosperity worldwide, asserting that the global cause of liberty would endure as long as the United States remained committed to its founding values.
Trump called on Americans to observe Captive Nations Week through appropriate ceremonies and public activities while expressing continued support for people across the world striving for freedom, justice, and the rule of law.
Captive Nations Week was established during the Cold War after the US Congress authorised the President to designate the third week of July each year to honour people living under communist or other authoritarian rule. Since then, every US President has issued an annual proclamation marking the observance.