[VT Washington, D.C.] January 29, 2025 — President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump extended their warmest greetings to Americans and communities worldwide celebrating the Lunar New Year. In an official statement released by the White House, the President recognized the significant contributions of Asian Americans and highlighted the cultural importance of this traditional festival.
“Our Nation is blessed with a passionate and strong Asian-American community that has made countless contributions to our proud history,” President Trump said. “For many Americans of Asian heritage, this is a time of rich family traditions. As people gather together for fireworks and parades, the First Lady and I join them in celebrating and welcoming the Year of the Snake.”
The Year of the Snake, which begins in 2025, is traditionally associated with wisdom, spirituality, and good fortune. The President expressed his hope that the nation would be blessed with these qualities as America embarks on what he calls its “golden age.” He wished all people peace, happiness, and success in the new year.
A Family United by the Chinese Zodiac
Adding a personal touch to the festivities, it is notable that President Trump himself was born in the Year of the Dog (1946), as are First Lady Melania (1970) and their youngest son Barron (2006). The shared zodiac sign symbolizes loyalty, integrity, and familial unity—traits highly valued in Chinese culture.
Interestingly, the President’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., celebrates his zodiac year this year as well, as 2025 marks his birth sign of the Snake. The Trump family’s zodiac tapestry is rich and varied: Ivanka Trump is born in the Year of the Rooster (1981), Eric Trump in the Year of the Pig (1984), and Jared Kushner, the President’s son-in-law, in the Year of the Monkey (1981). Their children represent three different signs — Rabbit, Snake, and Monkey — reflecting a culturally vibrant family “zodiac pedigree.”
Cultural Insights: The Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac, or Shengxiao, is a traditional cycle of twelve animals that correspond to years in a repeating 12-year cycle. Originating from ancient Chinese calendrical systems, each animal carries distinct traits and symbolism and plays an important role in Chinese astrology, fortune-telling, and cultural festivities.
Here is a quick reference for the 12 zodiac signs, their corresponding years (based on the Lunar New Year), and key personality traits:
| Zodiac | Years (1900–2031) | Personality Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Rat 🐭 | 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 | Intelligent, alert, adaptable |
| Ox 🐮 | 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 | Steady, hardworking, patient |
| Tiger 🐯 | 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 | Brave, confident, decisive |
| Rabbit 🐰 | 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 | Gentle, kind, cautious |
| Dragon 🐲 | 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 | Charismatic, leader, passionate |
| Snake 🐍 | 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 | Wise, mysterious, calm |
| Horse 🐴 | 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 | Enthusiastic, free, independent |
| Goat 🐐 | 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 | Gentle, caring, artistic |
| Monkey 🐵 | 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 | Clever, flexible, humorous |
| Rooster 🐔 | 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 | Detail-oriented, diligent, disciplined |
| Dog 🐶 | 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 | Loyal, just, straightforward |
| Pig 🐷 | 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 | Honest, generous, enjoys life |
Understanding the Lunar New Year’s Cultural Significance
The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, marks the start of the new year according to the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It is a time when families gather, renew bonds, and wish each other prosperity and health. Zodiac animals often feature prominently in decorations, such as New Year paintings, couplets, and talismans, to invoke luck and blessings.
A Message of Unity and Respect for Diversity
President Trump’s Lunar New Year message underscores the administration’s respect for cultural diversity and commitment to national unity. By celebrating the traditions of the Asian-American community, the White House highlights the importance of multicultural understanding and exchange in American society.
