Trump Administration Issues Presidential Statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

Washington, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump issued a remembrance statement on the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which commemorates the Meds Yeghern and recalls the suffering endured by the Armenian people. The historical record is clear: the Armenian Genocide is a documented fact, affirmed by the United States through Congress, the courts, President Ronald Reagan, President Joe Biden, and all 50 states.

On this solemn occasion of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the Armenian Assembly of America honors the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians systematically destroyed by the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915, and stands with survivors’ descendants in reaffirming historical truth, justice, and vigilance against renewed atrocities.

The Assembly is deeply concerned that the failure to clearly affirm the Armenian Genocide is contributing to a climate of impunity at the very moment Armenian Christian heritage in Artsakh is under renewed assault. As international attention is absorbed by war in the greater region, Azerbaijan is accelerating the erasure of Armenian churches and cultural presence in Nagorno-Karabakh — a reality that underscores why historical truth must be defended clearly and consistently. The report of the utter destruction of the Mother Cathedral of Stepanakert exceeds the basest practices of vandalism and warrants the strongest condemnation.

“At a time when Armenian churches and cultural landmarks in Artsakh are being destroyed, and Armenian hostages remain unjustly held in Baku, any retreat from clear genocide affirmation carries consequences,” stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “Historical truth must be matched by moral consistency and concrete action. Denial, evasion, and ambiguity only encourage further atrocities.”

Azerbaijan's conduct jeopardizes the promise of the August 2025 White House agreement on a Peace Framework reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan with U.S. encouragement. The United States cannot be party to policies that compromise the potential of a just and lasting peace.

While the genocidal Aliyev regime is razing Armenian churches to the ground and continuing to hold Armenian Christian hostages in Baku, a serious question must be asked: why would the United States enter into a strategic partnership agreement with Azerbaijan under such circumstances?

The United States must also examine whether pursuing deeper strategic cooperation with Azerbaijan is compatible with America’s stated commitments to human rights, religious freedom, and genocide prevention. Washington should not strengthen ties with a government that continues to imprison Armenians, threaten Armenia’s security, and erase Armenian Christian heritage in Artsakh.

The Assembly further urges the Administration to ensure that its policies in the South Caucasus reflect America’s stated commitment to religious freedom, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable Christian communities.

The United States has already established its record on the Armenian Genocide. The issue is not whether that record exists, but whether U.S. leaders will uphold it with the clarity that this solemn day demands.

As we commemorate the Armenian Genocide, we honor the memory of its victims not only through remembrance, but through renewed resolve: to defend historical truth, protect endangered Christian heritage, secure the release of Armenian hostages, and prevent the continuation of genocide in our own time.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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NR# 2026-09