President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE on Wednesday paid tribute to African Americans on Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery.

"For millions of African Americans, Juneteenth has served as an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental truth that all people are created equal and that liberty is a right endowed by our Creator," Trump said in a statement issued by the White House.

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"Across our country, the contributions of African Americans continue to enrich every facet of American life," Trump continued. "This Juneteenth, as we vow always to uphold the God-given rights of all Americans, we pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of African Americans."

Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Gen. Gordon Granger and thousands of troops marched into Galveston, Texas, to declare the Civil War was over and all slaves were free. The message applied to hundreds of thousands of enslaved Texans.

Trump issued similar statements marking Juneteenth during his first two years in office.

The president has drawn criticism for making racially divisive comments while on the campaign trail and since taking office, such as when he reportedly referred to Haiti and some African nations as "shithole countries."

He has repeatedly argued he is benefiting minority groups, including African Americans, by pointing to low unemployment rates and a strong economy.

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties is holding a hearing Wednesday on reparations for descendants of slaves.

Trump has not weighed in on the subject, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power MORE (R-Ky.) said this week that it's not a "good idea."