The president ordered "all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government" closed and "their employees excused from duty" on both Christmas Eve and December 26th, Christmas Day being an existing, congressionally approved, federal holiday. President Trump gave the order under the scope of Executive Order 11582 of February 11, 1971, and other federal statutes "as they relate to the pay and leave of employees of the United States." He also provided for exemptions to the day off for certain employees "for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need." | 
