America 250: Presidential Message on the Birthday of Thomas Jefferson

On what would have been his 283rd birthday, President Donald J. Trump issued a tribute to Thomas Jefferson, honoring him as a "true American visionary" and a primary architect of the nation’s liberty.

Key highlights of the tribute include:

• • Principal Author of Independence: The President recognized Jefferson’s extraordinary intellect and his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, which he called the "transcendent charter of human liberty."

  • Architect of Rights: The message highlights Jefferson’s authorship of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, noting that it laid the essential foundation for the First Amendment and the protection of individual liberties.

  • Executive Accomplishments: The tribute recounts Jefferson’s extensive career of public service, including his tenure as Governor of Virginia, Minister to France, and the 3rd President of the United States, during which he secured the Louisiana Purchase.

  • Commitment to Education: The President noted Jefferson’s founding of the University of Virginia, emphasizing his belief that a free people must be equipped with knowledge to preserve their own liberty.

  • Poetic Legacy: The proclamation remarks on the significance of Jefferson’s death on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of American independence—labeling it a "poetic end" to a life of devotion.

  • Modern Alignment: In Jefferson’s honor, the President pledged that his administration would ensure America remains a "beacon of freedom and righteousness," with a continued focus on the rule of law and national sovereignty.

The statement characterizes Jefferson’s contributions as the bedrock of the "American experiment," providing the enduring principles that continue to guide the nation today.