U.S. President Donald Trump and the White House have released a weak statement on April 24, the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, failing to call it what it is—a genocide, reports Zartonk Media.
The message avoids the term entirely, instead referring to the events as the Meds Yeghern. While it acknowledges the suffering of Armenians and the historical ties between the U.S. and Armenian people, it stops short of the explicit recognition long demanded by Armenian communities in the U.S. and around the world.
This marks a stark departure from President Joe Biden, who formally recognized the Armenian Genocide in 2021 and used the term in three consecutive April 24 statements. Trump’s refusal to do so represents a clear backtrack from that precedent.
It’s important to note that administrations like to use the Armenian phrase Meds Yeghern or “Great Catastrophe” as a form of verbal gymnastics to tip-toe around the term “genocide,” which, of course, has legal effects and consequences.
The White House statement, titled “Presidential Message on Armenian Remembrance Day, 2025,” reads as follows:
“Today we commemorate the Meds Yeghern, and honor the memories of those wonderful souls who suffered in one of the worst disasters of the 20th Century. Beginning in 1915, one and a half million Armenians were exiled and marched to their deaths in the final years of the Ottoman Empire. On this Day of Remembrance, we again join the Great Armenian Community in America, and around the World, in mourning the many lives that were lost.
Every year on April 24th, we reflect on the strong and enduring ties between the American and Armenian peoples. We are proud of the American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief, a groundbreaking effort established in 1915 that provided crucial humanitarian support to Armenian Refugees, and grateful for the thousands of Americans who contributed or volunteered to help the Armenians expelled from their homes.
On this day, we bear witness to the strength and resiliency of the Armenian people in the face of tragedy. We are fortunate that so many Armenians have brought their rich culture to our shores, and contributed so much to our Country, including decorated soldiers, celebrated entertainers, renowned architects, and successful business people.
As we honor the memory of those lost, my Administration remains committed to safeguarding religious freedom and protecting vulnerable minorities. We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with Armenia, and upholding regional stability as we continue to pursue enduring prosperity and security.”
