Presidential Message on the Birthday of President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Today, we celebrate the 135th birthday of an American legend, a visionary leader, and an enduring icon of duty, service, and discipline: President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Born in 1890 to humble beginnings growing up in Abilene, Kansas, President Eisenhower was raised in the rural American tradition before emerging as one of the most respected military leaders in the history of our country. Guided by his extraordinary commitment to public service, he rose to the height of his military career as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II. On June 6, 1944, he orchestrated the epic D-Day invasion of Normandy-playing a key role in freedom's triumph over tyranny.

In 1952, a wave of patriotic unity carried Eisenhower to the White House in a landslide-the last political outsider to become president until I was first elected in 2016. As President, Eisenhower led by a principle that we still abide by today: Peace can only be secured through American strength. He understood that our country must be stable and prosperous within its borders before extending commitments overseas. He boosted domestic trade through the development of the Interstate Highway System, supported American workers through the creation of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and eased tensions during the Cold War through steady diplomacy to protect American interests.

Under my leadership, we are proudly carrying forward the ideals that President Eisenhower cherished so deeply. Every day, we are removing regulatory barriers, unleashing our economy, ending unfair trade practices, securing our borders, defending the rule of law, rebuilding our military, putting our Nation's interests first, and making America stronger and greater than ever before.

As my Administration continues to promote prosperity at home and peace abroad, we recommit to furthering President Eisenhower's America First vision. We honor his legacy, we salute his courage, and we commit to carrying that radiant torch of liberty into the future.

Happy birthday, President Eisenhower!