Trump Refuses to Say 'Genocide' Again: A Disrespect to Armenians Everywhere

Each year on April 24, Armenians across the world honor the memory of their ancestors who were killed during the Armenian Genocide — one of the first genocides of the 20th century. More than 1.5 million innocent Armenians were brutally murdered by the Ottoman Empire starting in 1915. It is a historic fact, recognized by over 30 countries and nearly all serious historians. Yet once again, U.S. President Donald Trump failed to call it what it was: genocide.

Instead of using the correct term, Trump once again chose the phrase “Meds Yeghern,” which means “Great Crime” in Armenian. While this might sound respectful, it falls short. It avoids using the word “genocide,” the internationally accepted legal and historical term. This kind of avoidance is not just disappointing — it’s harmful.

Trump’s carefully worded message says he honors the “wonderful souls who suffered in one of the worst disasters of the 20th Century.” But calling the genocide a "disaster" is like calling a murder "an unfortunate accident." It's not just wrong — it's offensive.

The word “genocide” is important. It tells the truth. It gives justice to the dead and dignity to the survivors. For decades, Armenian-Americans and their allies have fought for that word to be used openly by world leaders, especially by U.S. presidents. Trump chose not to.

The truth is simple: Donald Trump put politics before justice. He didn’t want to upset Turkey — a NATO ally and the country that still denies the genocide to this day. By refusing to use the word, Trump stood with the Turkish government, not with the victims. Not with the truth. And certainly not with the Armenian-American community, which has contributed so much to the United States.

His statement goes on to talk about Armenian-American contributions — from soldiers and architects to entertainers and business people. But praising Armenians today while refusing to name their greatest tragedy is like praising Jewish people while refusing to acknowledge the Holocaust. It’s empty.

In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. He didn’t hide behind old phrases or political fears. He spoke the truth clearly, saying:

“Each year on this day, we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide.”

That one sentence brought real meaning to decades of Armenian-American activism. It showed that America could stand on the side of justice, even if it upset some allies.

What Donald Trump did was not just a failure of language — it was a failure of leadership and a betrayal of a community that has long been loyal to the United States. Armenians have helped build America. They have fought in its wars. They have created, taught, and served. They deserve respect. They deserve truth. And they deserve a president who has the courage to say the word: genocide.

April 24 is not just a day of mourning — it is a day of truth. We remember not only the lives lost, but the lies that still threaten justice. When someone as powerful as a U.S. president avoids the word “genocide,” it gives cover to denial and empowers those who would erase history.

Armenians will continue to speak the truth. They will continue to educate, to protest, and to honor their ancestors with courage and pride. They don't need empty words. They need honesty.

And history will remember who had the courage to stand with them — and who did not.Each year on April 24, Armenians across the world honor the memory of their ancestors who were killed during the Armenian Genocide — one of the first genocides of the 20th century. More than 1.5 million innocent Armenians were brutally murdered by the Ottoman Empire starting in 1915. It is a historic fact, recognized by over 30 countries and nearly all serious historians. Yet once again, U.S. President Donald Trump failed to call it what it was: genocide.

Instead of using the correct term, Trump once again chose the phrase “Meds Yeghern,” which means “Great Crime” in Armenian. While this might sound respectful, it falls short. It avoids using the word “genocide,” the internationally accepted legal and historical term. This kind of avoidance is not just disappointing — it’s harmful.

Trump’s carefully worded message says he honors the “wonderful souls who suffered in one of the worst disasters of the 20th Century.” But calling the genocide a "disaster" is like calling a murder "an unfortunate accident." It's not just wrong — it's offensive.

The word “genocide” is important. It tells the truth. It gives justice to the dead and dignity to the survivors. For decades, Armenian-Americans and their allies have fought for that word to be used openly by world leaders, especially by U.S. presidents. Trump chose not to.

The truth is simple: Donald Trump put politics before justice. He didn’t want to upset Turkey — a NATO ally and the country that still denies the genocide to this day. By refusing to use the word, Trump stood with the Turkish government, not with the victims. Not with the truth. And certainly not with the Armenian-American community, which has contributed so much to the United States.

His statement goes on to talk about Armenian-American contributions — from soldiers and architects to entertainers and business people. But praising Armenians today while refusing to name their greatest tragedy is like praising Jewish people while refusing to acknowledge the Holocaust. It’s empty.

In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. He didn’t hide behind old phrases or political fears. He spoke the truth clearly, saying:

“Each year on this day, we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide.”

That one sentence brought real meaning to decades of Armenian-American activism. It showed that America could stand on the side of justice, even if it upset some allies.

What Donald Trump did was not just a failure of language — it was a failure of leadership and a betrayal of a community that has long been loyal to the United States. Armenians have helped build America. They have fought in its wars. They have created, taught, and served. They deserve respect. They deserve truth. And they deserve a president who has the courage to say the word: genocide.

April 24 is not just a day of mourning — it is a day of truth. We remember not only the lives lost, but the lies that still threaten justice. When someone as powerful as a U.S. president avoids the word “genocide,” it gives cover to denial and empowers those who would erase history.

Armenians will continue to speak the truth. They will continue to educate, to protest, and to honor their ancestors with courage and pride. They don't need empty words. They need honesty.

And history will remember who had the courage to stand with them — and who did not.