John Harabedian (Photo – Office of John Harabedian)
On Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, John Harabedian, Chair of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation and the only Armenian serving in the State Legislature, issued a sharp response to Donald Trump for not acknowledging the Armenian Genocide.
By News Desk
In his statement, Harabedian criticized the president’s decision to avoid using the term “genocide,” calling it a failure to confront historical truth. “On the very day we honor the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who were systematically murdered, President Trump once again chose silence over truth,” he said. “By refusing to call the Armenian Genocide what it is, he is perpetuating a dangerous false narrative.”
Harabedian described the omission as both a “betrayal of history” and “a deliberate act of denial,” emphasizing that recognition should not depend on political will. “We will not beg any leader to recognize our history. The facts are clear, and the truth demands to be spoken,” he added.
Each year on April 24, Armenians worldwide commemorate the mass killings of more than 1.5 million people carried out by the Ottoman Empire during the early 20th century. Advocates stress that formally recognizing the events as genocide is essential to honoring victims, preserving historical accuracy, and preventing future atrocities.
Harabedian also warned that continued refusal to use the term undermines decades of advocacy and sends a troubling signal at a time when Armenian communities still face ongoing threats.
He reaffirmed that California remains steadfast in its position. “California has made its position clear: we will not waver in recognizing the Armenian Genocide,” he said.
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