Law Day, U.S.A., 2019

Proclamation 9872 of April 30, 2019

Law Day, U.S.A., 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Law Day, we renew our commitment to the rule of law
and our Constitution. The rule of law requires that no
one be above the obligations of the law or beneath its
protections, and it stands as a bulwark against the
arbitrary use of government power.

Our Founding Fathers knew that to secure liberty our
Government must be one of laws and not the whims of
officeholders. ``The true idea of a republic,'' wrote
John Adams, ``is an empire of laws, and not of men.''
The Constitution, therefore, granted only limited power
to the Federal Government, leaving the remainder to the
States, and divided the Federal powers between three
separate, co-equal branches. This separation of powers
has helped guarantee the rule of law and preserve
liberty for generations.

Each branch of the Federal Government takes an oath to
uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States
and thus is duty bound to the rule of law. That is why
my Administration continues to fight the issuance of
improper injunctions by Federal district courts, which
enable a single district court judge to dictate law to
the entire country and undermine the separation of
powers. We are also eliminating unnecessary and
burdensome regulations to help limit the intrusion of
unaccountable regulators into the lives of American
citizens. Additionally, I have taken action to ensure
that public universities are fulfilling their
obligation to uphold the First Amendment. In March, I
signed an Executive Order that directs Federal agencies
to ensure that public universities receiving Federal
research or education grants are promoting free inquiry
and not stifling open debate.

On this Law Day, I encourage all Americans to take time
to express appreciation for how the rule of law helps
protect our rights, including the freedoms of religion,
speech, and the press. Today, we reflect on the many
sacrifices our American forebearers made to secure and
defend these rights for their posterity, and we aspire
to be equally as dedicated to preserving them for
future Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, in accordance with Public Law
87-20, as amended, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2019, as
Law Day, U.S.A. I urge all Americans, including
government officials, to observe this day by reflecting
upon the importance of the rule of law in our Nation
and displaying the flag of the United States in support
of this national observance; and I especially urge the
legal profession, the press, and the radio, television,
and media industries to promote and to participate in
the observance of this day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.